Miracle kitten alive after violent attack by youths

Chief Inspector Don Robinson said the link between violence to animals and violence to people is well recognised in Australia and internationally, with deepening concerns that many people who begin by being cruel to animals eventually target people.

"This little kitten somehow survived after she was subjected to horrendous cruelty. She was kicked, stoned and run over with a bike, before being tossed onto the railway track where she was left for dead.

"This was the cruel act of cowards who had to pick on something smaller than themselves," he said. "Our concern is that these young offenders will not stop with one small kitten and will move on to other animals and people and perhaps the next time the result could be fatal.

"This sort of attack should send alarm bells throughout the community." The actions of the youths were captured on railway video surveillance footage and the three were seen getting into a cab after the attack. The female kitten miraculously survived thanks to the quick actions of the station master and a young female police officer, who rescued her from the railway track.

Now named Shelley after her rescuer Constable Michelle Moy of Blacktown Police, the kitten had surgery at the RSPCA this afternoon for a broken back leg. RSPCA Veterinarians are also treating her for injuries to one of her front legs and an eye.

"This kitten was in a dreadful condition when Constable Moy picked her up off the track, thankfully before the next train came along. She even purred when Sergeant Michelle picked her up. She knew she was in safe hands.

"Shelley is a lovely kitten and was obviously someone's pet. We now need the public's help to find her attackers."

Chief Inspector Robinson urges anyone with information to pass it on to Blacktown Police (02 9671 9199) or the RSPCA (02 9770 7555). All information will be treated as confidential.