Keighley has been plagued by a series of attacks on cats.

Over the last few months the animals have been shot by air rifles or been set on and attacked by dogs.

Last week's KN report on Sooty the cat's close shave with an air rifle pellet has helped unearth a series of other unprovoked attacks in the Ingrow and Braithwaite areas.

At least nine attacks have been reported to the police and Cats Protection League since April. Some were killed. Others survived despite life-threatening injuries.

The most recent incident reported to the police was on August 18, when people were seen setting lurchers on cats around Braithwaite's North Dean Road.

One Ingrow woman, who does not wish to be named, knows the damage these dogs are capable of.

They ripped her ginger and white cat Wallace's stomach apart last Easter.

She says: "He was very, very lucky. They just penetrated the fat.

"He won't approach strangers so I don't know how they got to him.

"We've got another cat now and we're on pins all the time about letting them out. But it's not fair to keep them in all the time."

The woman's cats also face the danger of being shot with an air rifle. Shootings are alleged to have become frequent in the Bracken Bank area.

Sooty was shot in the back with a pellet and another cat in the area was killed with one a fortnight before. It has been claimed this type of weapon was also used on cats in Braithwaite.

But more common there is the use of lurchers.

It is alleged that a gang of youths is going around the estate with the dogs and initiating attacks. A 14-year-old youth was sentenced to four months in a detention centre for this and other offences.

John Philip, of Braithwaite Peoples Association, says there have been dog attacks on the estate for the past two years.

He adds: "One of our committee member's cats was killed by dogs.

"Two or three youths go around with their dogs. It seems to be a favourite past time."

Sergeant Allan Gee, of Keighley police, says: "Anyone who's had their cat attacked in any way should contact the police.

"It is a criminal offence, not only from the point of view of legislation relating to animal cruelty, but also criminal damage to people's property.

"Anyone found guilty of committing this offence could find themselves in the same kind of trouble as this lad at Braithwaite."

An article by Oxenhope correspondent and Cats' Protection League member Kathryn Grigg, for September's police Neighbour-hood Watch magazine, advises owners to get their cats inside before dusk.

She adds: "Do not let it out until it is well light. If possible provide a litter tray.

"At all times when your cat is out, do make sure that if it needs to bolt for home it can actually get into your house."