An 86-year-old pensioner has offered a reward to help catch the "sick" thugs who set a dog on to a cat.

Police are still investigating the attack in which nine-year-old Smudge was mauled to death and his body thrown into brambles, as reported in yesterday's Telegraph & Argus.

And T&A reader Rosie Peel, 86, was so sickened by what had happened she offered £50 from her pension to catch and prosecute those responsible.

"They are evil. This has really upset me and I'm angry," she said. "This little bit of money might help. Let's hope we can find who they are; I want them caught."

The former mill worker, who was born and brought up in Bradford, said she loved animals and admitted to spoiling her Yorkshire Terrier, Benji.

"He's lovely. He's spoilt but I have nobody else to spoil," said the widow from Undercliffe in Bradford.

Mrs Peel, who also served in the Army, said she hoped her gesture would encourage other people to do the same.

"It all adds up. If everyone gave a pound even if they are a pensioner it's just a pound, it's nothing but when you add them together it makes a difference," she said.

The cat's devastated owners, Philip Corrigan and Christine Gill, thanked Mrs Peel for her kind offer.

"We are very grateful. It is very generous," Mr Corrigan said.

The family's neighbour saw the attack, which happened outside their home on Cavendish Road in Idle on Friday at 2.45am.

Mr Corrigan told the T&A how the neighbour had seen a red car pull up and a man get out.

"Smudge was just there on the grass, minding his own business," he said.

He said the man, wearing a top with its hood up, had been seen to pull a dog from the car boot, which he threw at the cat.

After the attack was over he put the dog back into the car and threw the cat's body into some brambles.

A police spokesman said: "We would like to thank the kind lady who has put forward this reward." The RSPCA also added its thanks to Mrs Peel.

Heather Holmes, of the animal charity, said: "When things like this happen the vast majority of people will rally round.

"It's just a shame that there are a small minority of people who have no regard for animals or other people and will act in this manner.

"I'm sure that this lady is representative of the vast majority of our society who love and care for animals."

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact Toller Lane Police Station on (01274) 376259.

e-mail: rebecca.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk