A PET cat has been put down after being “doused in acid and boiling water” leaving his owner’s heartbroken and furious. 

Donia Youssef, 45, has insisted she will now work to fight animal cruelty after her pet cat, Dennis, was left in “unbearable agony” by the attack. 

Dennis, an adored family pet, vanished from the family home in Bradleigh Avenue, Grays, on April 24.

He later returned on April 26 in “agony” and was rushed to an emergency vet.

According to the family, the vet told them Dennis had been doused in acid and boiling water, resulting in very severe burns. 

As a result, the family had to make the devastating decision to put Dennis to sleep.

Donia said: “We are devastated by this heartless act of cruelty.

“We tried to keep him alive, but Dennis was so severely burned he could not go to the toilet or even blink, making it impossible for him to function.

“The vets said they had never seen a cat in this kind of state.

“Someone has deliberately sprayed his face with acid and poured boiling water on him.

“That is murder. How can anyone do that to an innocent creature. We can’t actually believe it.

“We are so upset, and my children are now so scared.”

The mum-of-two first bought the cat for her daughter Aalayah, now ten, in 2017 when Donia was diagnosed with cancer.

She added: “When I got diagnosed with cancer, I got him for my kids, and my daughter’s fifth birthday.

“When I was away in hospital, she was able to look after him and have some comfort.

He was not just a family pet; he was also sentimental.”

Following the tragic and shocking incident, the family has vowed to honour Dennis’ legacy by continuing to raise awareness about animal cruelty and support the Ginger House Cat Rescue.

They implore everyone to share their campaign on social media, email, or by word of mouth to help make a difference in the lives of countless cats in need and find the culprit who conducted such wickedness.

A spokesman for Essex Police added: "We received a report that a cat had been injured after a corrosive substance had been thrown on it in Grays.

"It was reported to have happened in the Bradleigh Avenue area between 24 and 29 April.

"Sadly, due to the injuries it had sustained, the cat had to be put to sleep.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/78105/23."

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