Billy the cat was vicously attacked by an out of control dog, his owners claim.
Roland Rogerson, of Bridge Street, Darton, said the tabby was hurt after being chased by a terrier on neighbouring allotments.
The 52-year-old, who adopted the rescue cat three years ago, said he became worried when Billy did not come on Monday."As soon as it's dark we like him in so I went to call him," he said.
"There was a man with two whippets and another man in a chicken run with a terrier off his lead. They shouldn't even have been in the allotment.
"There was no sign of Billy so I knew something must be wrong and ran home to get my torch.
"When I got back the men were running up Sackup Lane and had left the terrier's lead behind. They must have known something had happened to run away.
"I was in tears and expected the worst. I thought my cat was dead."
Roland said he spent a further half-an-hour trying to find his pet before he emerged limping.
He carried him home where he is now recovering. He reported the incident to the police who said they were powerless to do anything as it was not a criminal matter.
