A CAT had to be put down after being found tied to a washing line in what the RSPCA has described as a “despicable” incident.

A CAT had to be put down after being found tied to a washing line in what the RSPCA has described as a “despicable” incident.

Lily, a grey long-haired cat, was discovered hanging on the line by a length of chord, which was knotted around her waist, in Beccles on November 6.

The cat was discovered in a garden on Denmark Road at 3.10pm.

A passer-by heard Lily's screams and took the cat straight to a veterinary surgery. She had been let out by her owner the night before, at around midnight, after the fireworks had stopped.

Despite treatment for her injuries, the four-year-old animal was put to sleep a few days later, an RSPCA spokeswoman said.

“Lily had no use of her back legs and she had swallowed part of the cord, possibly where she had bitten at it in a desperate attempt to free herself,” said the spokeswoman.

Last night Lily's owner, who did not wish to be named, said: “She was in a lot of pain towards the end. To think somebody has done that to an animal and is still walking around - someone must know something. It was just a tragic ending for a lovely little cat. She was such a little character and my other cat is really missing her.

“It was just so unnecessary. If she had been knocked down by a car or had died of natural causes I might be a bit more accepting of it, but to go how she did leaves a lot of questions. You have got to be a pretty sick person to want to do something like that.”

RSPCA inspector Ben Kirby said: “This was clearly a despicable thing to do to an animal. Lily had no chance of freeing herself and was effectively just left to die.

“We think this may have happened at some time on the Friday as Lily had some strength left and her screams would have been heard before she had been there longer than a few hours.

“If anyone saw who did this, or has any information about the incident, they should contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a �20,000 fine.

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.