AN ANIMAL mad Tullibody youngster who rescued an abandoned cat from a wood on his way home from school has been hailed a hero by a leading animal protection charity.

 

Abercrombie primary pupil John Barrett was taking a regular short-cut through the Delph Woods on his way home last Tuesday (January 19) when he heard the tiny cat’s cries nearby.

The quick-thinking 11-year-old soon found the animal – which had been left in a plastic carrier cage – and scaled a tree to retrieve it.

 

Caring John then rushed back to his Delphwood Crescent home to get help for the freezing tabby cat which had been left outdoors all day.

 

When parents John snr and Sheila saw their son running back with the box in his arms – they had a fair idea what he was up to.

 

Glasgow-born Security officer John, 53, told the Wee County News: “John’s always bringing injured birds home, or looking after some kind of animal. He’s great with our dog.  

 

“When he came round the corner with it I wasn’t sure what he was up to, but it was no surprise when I found out.”

 

The Barrett’s fed the shivering cat milk and soon called the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA ) who sent an officer round in minutes to collect it. While John jnr and former factory worker Sheila were keen to keep the cat, they decided against it due to “compatibility fears” with their three year-old Rottweiler Xena.

 

Talkative John jnr, an avid watcher of nature documentaries including BBC’s LIfe and Robson Green’s Extreme Fishing, has played down his role in rescuing the cat, but say he is is angered that someone would abandon an animal.

 

He said: “As soon as I heard it crying I knew exactly where it was and found it in seconds.

 

“I looked inside the box and it was shaking like mad, but when I got it back to the house and we gave it milk it was better.

 

“I wanted to keep it, but it wouldn’t have been possible with our dog, but I’m glad its going to a good home.

 

“It’s sickening that someone would abandon any animal like that – I hope the people responsible get what’s coming to them.”

 

John jnr is keen to take up a career in animal welfare when he gets older, and the SSPCA  has heaped praise on the youngster.

 

Scottish SPCA Inspector Louise Seddon said, “Thanks to John’s quick thinking this little cat is now receiving the best of care at one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.

 

“We believe the cat was left in the woods at some point before 3pm on Tuesday and there may be witnessed this.

 

“Although she’s a bit underweight she is a lovely, friendly little cat. She’s also very pretty with distinct markings on her coat.

 

“We’re urging anyone who recognises the cat or who has information relating to this incident to call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”

 

The charity warns that abandoning an animal is an offence which carries still penalties including a maximum of six months in prison, a £5,000 fine or both.

 

Anyone guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from owning animals for a fixed
period or life.