A BELOVED cat caught on camera being snatched by a stranger has been found dead in a bush.

Earlier in the week, The Northern Echo revealed CCTV footage that showed a man dragging a beloved family pet from the roof of their car in the early hours of Sunday morning.

  • Cleveland Police are investigating the incident. Anyone with information should contact them on non-emergency number 101 quoting reference CVP-17-196970

The Parkinsons, from Hartlepool, launched a desperate appeal to find Pepsi, a 12-year-old cat that meant the world to the family.

Tragically, their pet was found dead on Tuesday night, with the family believing he was stolen by suspected ‘lampers’ before being brutally killed by their dogs.

The cat was the much-loved pet of two sisters, who say Pepsi was bought for the family by their father shortly before he died from cancer.

One of the Parkinson sisters, who did not want to be named, said Pepsi had been killed and thrown into a bush after being mutilated by animals.

He was found by their heart-broken mother following a tip-off that resulted from the family’s appeal.

Speaking on Tuesday night, Ms Parkinson said: “Tonight I’ve sat and watched my mam’s heart ripped into pieces after finding Pepsi’s body.

“My mam is still a grieving widow and is now having to come to terms with not just the loss of her beloved pet but also knowing how horrendous his death will have been.”

She added: “I’d like to thank every single person who has shared our story and messaged us.

“It really does show how amazing people can be.”

Her sibling urged ‘lampers’ – many of whom use small animals to train their dogs – to think twice before taking part in the activity.

Holly Parkinson said: “Pepsi was a gorgeous, trusting, loving, hilarious and friendly cat and we are so so lucky to have spent part of our life with him roaming around the house.

“He was and always will be an incredibly important member of our family and we are absolutely heartbroken.

“I’m going to take this opportunity to absolutely beg anyone who considers lamping with someone’s family pet to please, please reconsider.”

She said Pepsi was taken away from “his home, his family and the place he felt safe” to “misery, pain and an untimely death.”

Ms Parkinson added: “It absolutely kills us to imagine how scared and alone he must have felt and how often he wondered where we were and why we weren’t helping him.”

Addressing the person who snatched Pepsi, she said: “Your vile, selfish, barbaric actions have left a gap in our family and home that cannot be filled.”

Cleveland Police are investigating the incident. Anyone with information should contact them on non-emergency number 101 quoting reference CVP-17-196970.