Sussex dog attack: Angmering family's cat loses leg as charity seeks help with vets' bills

A passer-by stepped in to rescue mum-of-two Lisa Finch’s cat Ruby, who was attacked ‘on her own doorstep’ near Parsons Close, Angmering, on Sunday, April 30.

The ‘very brave’ member of the public was ‘covered in blood’ following his heroic act, according to charity Worthing Cat Welfare Trust (WCWT), and Ruby was rushed to South Downs Emergency Vets in Storrington for urgent treatment.

Lisa and her two children, Molly, 15, and Blake, nine, are ‘heartbroken’ by the experience and ‘have been unable to sleep due to worry and stress’.

Lisa said: “We have had Ruby all her life as we have her mum, so we watched her be born and grow up into a beautiful cat who loves life.

“We were devastated when we found out she was viciously attacked by two dogs.

“It was really concerning as we could not find her for four hours. By the time we had found her, she was in a very bad way.”

Despite vets’ swift action, Ruby had to have her leg amputated as a result of her injuries. She is now back home but is not yet out of the woods – meanwhile, her vet bills are already nearing £5,000.

An online fundraising page, managed by WCWT, has been set up to help with the costs. So far, it has raised more than £2,500 and the charity said it has been ‘overwhelmed by the public’s support’.

A spokesperson for WCWT thanked everyone who had donated after the ‘defenceless’ animal was attacked by two ‘out-of-control’ dogs, ‘who were both off leads and the owner was nowhere to be seen’.

They added: “Ruby has been through a horribly traumatic ordeal – and one of her legs was amputated as a result of her injuries – but is thankfully now recuperating at home, with her lovely family.

“They have thanked both South Downs Emergency Vets and Worthing Cat Welfare Trust for stepping in to help Ruby, plus the passer-by who intervened with no thought for his own safety to stop the attack and ultimately save Ruby's life.”

The Worthing-based charity also urged dog owners to practice safe walking when out in public.

Joss Loader, a trustee at WCWT, said: “The law is very clear that dogs should be under control at all times, even if they're being walked in areas where they are allowed to be off leads. The owner must have total recall at all times. If owners have any uncertainty, then they should keep their dogs on leads.

“It is totally unacceptable for a cat to be attacked in this way and our hearts go out to poor Ruby and her owners.”

Lisa added: “It is going to be a long journey [but] we are hoping Ruby will make a full recovery and one day lay out in the sun again.”

If you would like to donate to Ruby’s vet treatment, visit her GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/f/help-ruby-after-dog-attack-30april

See also: Stray dog whose ears were 'hacked off' rescued by Sussex charity