A PET cat is recovering at an Arklow veterinary surgery this week following a horrendous and cruel attack with a firecracker which is thought to have been placed in its ear.

The distressed animal underwent surgery at the end of last week after it was found in a near-death state to the rear of a pub in the town.

An emergency call was made to Avondale Veterinary Hospital after customers in The Old Ship heard a bang around 11p.m. on Wednesday night. When they saw the white-furred creature which was in shock they assumed that it it had been hit by a car but upon closer inspection saw that its head has been severely injured by a Hallowe'en banger.

Vet Mairead Berkley treated that animal for shock and monitored it until Thursday afternoon when she and colleague Tommy Heffernan carried out an operation. During the course of almost three hours of surgery the animal's broken jaw was wired, damaged tissue removed from its ear and a surgical drain attached. The matter was later reported to Arklow Garda Station. It is predicted that the female cat aged around four or five years will recover to a certain extent but will most likely be deaf. Practice Manager Julie Doyle said that it is the worst incident of animal cruelty she has seen in many years.

'She really was in a very bad state and the fact that it was an intentional act is just appalling. We appeal to the public to keep their pets indoors when bangers are likely to be set off. Those who carry out such cruel acts should take a look at the damage they cause and realise it is a very serious situation.'

The staff at Avondale Vetinerary Hospital carried out the surgery free of charge and say that they hope the owner of the cat, which is very friendly will take her home.

Otherwise they will make efforts to find a new and loving home for her once she is well enough.

- Deborah COLEMAN