A cat has been strangled using 15ft of rope and dumped on a family's doorstep.

Disgusted Sharon and Andrew Harvey, of Queensway, Didcot, were awoken by the sound of their garden gate being slammed shut yesterday.

When animal lover Mr Harvey went downstairs to investigate, he found a young tabby cat lying outside their back door. The animal had a length of rope tied around its neck and is believed to have been strangled.

The Harveys, who have a dog and cat of their own, kept the grisly find from their daughter Claire, seven, for fear of upsetting her.

Mrs Harvey said: "I cannot believe anyone would want to do such a thing. I feel shocked and disgusted.

"My dog growled a few moments before we heard the gate bang and I wish to God I had got up. I might have seen who did this."

The owners of the cat, called Barley, were last night traced by Thames Valley Police. They were "absolutely distraught".

Police animal welfare officer Albert Honey went to the house after being told of the discovery. He said: "Whoever did this must have a particularly sadistic and warped mind. I don't think there is any doubt that this cat suffered terribly before it died."

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

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