'Evil' yob chases down 'defenceless cat' and throws stones at it in Southsea Model Village break-in

The hooded yob was recorded on CCTV trying to attack the ‘defenceless’ feral feline after breaking into the Southsea Model Village yesterday afternoon.

Sick images of the assault show the terrified animal – affectionately named ‘Rooney’ – being chased down by a man dressed all in black before the attacker picks up a rock and lobs it at the cat.

Footage of the incident was released by the model village on Facebook today and has been watched more than 11,000 so far, leaving many outraged.

Mark Wilson, boss of the Southsea attraction – off Eastney Esplande – said he was ‘sick to the stomach’ when he watched the recording.

Speaking to The News, Mark said: ‘This is just evil. It’s pure evil. If someone can do this to an innocent animal imagine what they could do to a human.

‘It’s unbelievable and totally mindless. I can’t understand the attraction of attacking a defenceless cat. It makes me sick to the teeth.’

In 2019 Rooney was viciously attacked by a 16-year-old boy, who kicked the cat in the face.

Footage of the incident went viral. On Monday, the assault was featured in the BBC programme, Caught Red Handed, which aims to shame yobs and criminals nationwide.

As previously reported, the black cat had approached by two boys who had broken into the model village site.

It was then coaxed towards the pair before being kicked in the face.

The teenager responsible for the attack – who for legal reasons can’t be named – admitted theft and causing unnecessary suffering to Rooney.

Speaking during a court hearing in August 2019, where a six-month youth referral order was issued, Magistrate Kevin Head said: ‘These are nasty offences and kicking a defenceless cat is the worst of the lot really, and is inexcusable.’

The latest incident at the model village took place at about 3.30pm on Thursday.

The yob, who was wearing a black hoody, dark trousers and was carrying a red ‘exercise’ resistance band, climbed over the wall into the popular family site.

As well as attacking the cat, Mr Wilson said the intruder also vandalised the site, ripping down some wooden covers.

‘This is like a weekly occurrence it is driving me mad,’ added Mr Wilson, who has run the site for almost seven years.

‘Since our barbed wire was removed, people keep breaking in. Someone broke in just before Christmas and caused some damage.

‘We’re always finding empty beer cans and spliff butts on the floor. We’re sick to death of it.’

Hampshire police is investigating the latest break-in.

Those with information are urged to call police on 101, quoting incident number 20210128-2105.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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