Call for tougher animal cruelty laws after 'Felix' taken and tortured

A call has been made to reform legislation for pet cruelty in Ireland since a 12-year-old Persian cat was snatched from outside its home and subsequently had to be put down because of its injuries.

Cork woman Rosarie Cotter set up a petition last week calling on the Government to “strengthen penalties for animal cruelty, torture, and neglect.”

The petition comes after Blackrock woman Tracy Finnegan’s 12-year-old cat, Felix, who was taken away by two men on an e-bike, had to be put down because of the injuries inflicted by the thieves.

CCTV footage cannot be released

While Ms Finnegan said the two men were seen on CCTV passing the primary care centre in Mahon with Felix in their hands, this footage cannot be released to the public, due to data protection.

Ms Finnegan told The Echo that Felix was discovered emaciated and with a broken jaw a week after he was taken from his home.

Ms Cotter said she was “heartbroken” by what happened to Felix”.

“No animal should ever have to suffer the cruelty that he endured,” she said.

“In response, I have started a petition calling for stronger animal-welfare protections in Ireland, including tougher penalties for animal cruelty, better enforcement, and stronger protections against pet theft.

“This petition will be emailed to all local TDs and every TD involved in animal welfare in Ireland.

“I’m hoping to raise awareness and gather support from people who believe animals deserve better protection.

“If you feel the same, please consider signing and sharing the petition.

“Together, we can help ensure that Felix’s story leads to meaningful change and that no other family has to experience such a devastating loss,” Ms Cotter said.

Labour Party senator Laura Harmon said she was “absolutely heartbroken and appalled by what happened to Felix”.

“My thoughts are with Tracy Finnegan and her family at this incredibly distressing time,” said Ms Harmon.

“No family should ever have to endure such cruelty towards a much-loved pet.

“I have reached out to the NSPCA to discuss our animal-welfare laws, their enforcement, and whether more needs to be done to protect animals from such horrific acts of cruelty.

“Those responsible for animal cruelty must be held accountable, and we must ensure that animal welfare is taken seriously,” she added.

“Felix deserved so much better. I cannot even think what Felix’s family have been put through.”

The petition, which had garnered more than 7,500 signatures at the time of writing, can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/3t82hp9u.