A PET lover left distraught after her family cat was savagely killed by dogs is pleading for help to catch the culprits.

The Lancaster woman says anyone whose pet may have been attacked should step forward to help police and RSPCA officers.

The woman from the Castle area of the city, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims two men with three dogs strolled into her garden and commanded them to attack.

Now several weeks after the attack, she is desperate for people to come forward.

"There are a number of missing cats in the area and I'm worried that this might have happened to other people," she says.

"I have noticed a lot of posters up for missing cats and I know a few people whose pets have been killed, but they were too upset to do anything about it. People need to report it because this must be stopped."

She goes on: "These men knew what they were doing and I believe that they will not hesitate to do it again."

A post mortem examination has revealed that the woman's cat died from dog bites.

Heather Holmes, of the RSPCA, says the society is currently investigating the incident and hopes to end up with a prosecution.

"We are appealing for witnesses to help us compile information about the attack. Also if there are other complaints about similar incidents we will look into them," she says.

"This is horrific and very distressing for the owner. Cat owners should remember that these attacks are rare - though we cannot say whether it was an isolated incident."

She advises cat owners to use their common sense and take care of their pets and not to put them in a vulnerable situation.

Police community beat manager PC Mark Finch says the police have not been made aware of other incidents.

Although a number of felines have been reported missing, he says 'cats by their nature do stray'.

He adds: "It is unacceptable and if it was a deliberate attack we will do all we can with the RSPCA to detect the offenders."

Anyone with information or who believes their animal may have been attacked should call police on 01524-63333 or the RSPCA on 0870-5555-999.