A kitten tortured by being plunged into a bath of scalding water must undergo extensive skin grafts.

Experts say the pet, dumped at a Bradford cat rescue centre, suffered agony during its ordeal.

But the animal, which has lost all its claws and much of its fur, is expected to survive.

Staff at Allerton Cat Rescue fear they will not have enough cash to pay for the operations.

They are hoping well-wishers will come forward with donations to help finance the grafts, which will cost hundreds of pounds.

The tortured animal was left at the centre in Prune Park Lane in Allerton on Tuesday, but staff believe its injuries are up to a week old.

Cat Rescue spokesman Jenny Sampson said: "It's absolutely sickening to think that someone could do this to a living thing.

"Its legs and the bottom of its body have been badly burned and it has no claws or fur left on its lower half.

"The injuries are about a week old and the vet has told us that it will probably survive."

Telegraph & Argus vet Simon Thomas, who is treating the animal, said: "The kitten's burns are horrendous but it seems to have got through the worst."

If you want to help, call (01274) 487546/549122.

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