AN investigation has been launched to try and track down a cyclist captured on CCTV while a dog was a attacking cat in Hartlepool.

The RSPCA is wanting to speak to the man after the disturbing footage was sent to them by a member of the public.

The film shows the cat frantically trying to escape from the dog before getting cornered in a rear alley of Brian Honour Avenue in Hartlepool at around 10am on Saturday morning.

Inspector Stephanie Baines, who is leading the investigation, said: “In the video, a man is seen cycling into Brian Honour Avenue at 9.57am with a small black dog running loose beside him.

“The dog can be seen darting all over the road and pavements and is clearly out of control. It then shoots off to a parking area behind the houses and attacks a light-coloured cat.

“As the cat tries to escape by scaling a fence, the dog continues to attack and drags the cat back down to the ground. When the man arrives to intervene he can be seen violently stamping and kicking at the cat and slamming his bike tyre down.

“The cat eventually escapes and runs to hide under a car. We do not know who the cat belongs to or what injuries it sustained in the attack.

“We are now appealing for information from the public to help us establish what happened on the day. We’d also like to speak to the man seen in the footage.

“This footage is very upsetting to watch and we’d like to hear from the cat’s owner to find out if he or she is okay."

  • If anyone can help the charity piece together exactly what has happened or recognises the man or dog shows in the video, they should call them on 0300 123 8018.