An Armagh couple have been left devastated – and physically sick – after their beloved cat, Eddie, suffered horrific injuries in what they believe was a deliberate act of cruelty involving a firework.
The incident is thought to have happened in and around the Banbrook Hill area of Armagh on Friday, October 17, with the owner now confirming that a firework had been tied to Eddie’s tail before it exploded.
Eddie had returned home, cowering from its owners, before bolting when they went to check on the cat.
When he finally returned – almost a week later – his owner was horrified to discover his tail had been scorched down to the flesh.
The injuries were so severe that Eddie then appeared to have flayed its own tail, exposing much of the bone and remnants of skin.
He was rushed to the USPCA in Newry for urgent treatment, where vets confirmed he had suffered severe internal burns and possible spinal damage. His rectum also required stitching, and he remains under round-the-clock care.
“It’s been confirmed he was hurt by a firework that was tied to him,” his owner said in a social media update. “He has severe internal burns and infection. They don’t know if they can save him. We won’t know until Friday.”
His owner described Eddie as “an innocent wee animal”, saying they were “devastated” by what had happened.
The case has been reported to both the PSNI and Animal Welfare, with the USPCA recording the incident as an act of cruelty.
Eddie’s just a wee cat, and my heart broke thinking of him on his own in all that pain.”
Eddie is expected to undergo tests this week as vets assess the extent of his internal injuries and determine whether his back legs and bowel can be saved.
Meanwhile, police are appealing for information following the report.
A police spokesperson said: “It is believed that on Friday, October 17 between 12pm and 2pm, a firework was tied to the tail of a white cat named Eddie.
“This firework exploded causing permanent damage to Eddie’s tail and he will require an operation to prevent his infection spreading to the rest of his body.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the PSNI on 101 or Animal Welfare.
