THUGS who threw a cat to a pair of dogs, and filmed it on their mobile phones being savaged, were last night being hunted by police.

The incident, which was witnessed by a number of people, including children, has shocked a community.

The family of the brown and white cat, called Scully, are devastated after the incident, which happened on Thursday.

Police are hunting the culprits, who could face prosecution under Section 4 of the new Animal Welfare Act, for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Three youths were heard shouting "kill the cat" as it was savaged by the dogs.

The dogs involved in the attack in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, are believed to belong to the youths.

One is thought to be a pit bull terrier and the other is a smaller dog, possibly a Jack Russell.

Mother-of-four Jacqui Readman, 42, was in the kitchen with her two youngest children Amy, five, and Jenny, three, when a neighbour came to the door carrying the family's 11-year-old cat.

She said: "He was covered in blood. From the way his back was twisted it looked like his back had been broken.

"His legs were twisted. I took him straight to the vet. Scully was still alive at the time, but he died before we got there.

"How could anyone do this?

"We live in a nice family area and this happened in a road where there are lots of children who could easily have been hurt. It's not something I'd like anyone else to go through."

PC Andy Atkinson, who is investigating the incident, said: "We were disgusted to hear about the heartless treatment of this innocent animal and are liaising with colleagues at the RSPCA, who tell us the perpetrators could face prosecution under Section 4 of the new Animal Welfare Act, for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

"Our inquiries are continuing and we are making good progress.

"I would urge anyone who has not spoken to us to come forward if they have any information."

Witnesses are asked to contact Middlesbrough police on 01642-303126 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.