AN animal charity is offering a £1,500 reward to catch a cat-killer targeting Somerset towns.

We reported last week that two cats belonging to Clevedon woman Judy Ware had been poisoned with anti-freeze.

One, called Sherlock, died and the second, Watson, survived the ordeal after hanging on for dear life during four days at the vets.

It follows a spate of attacks in Weston and Bridgwater over the past few months.

The charity PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is offering a reward of £1,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

PETA spokesman Suzanne Barnard: "Animal abusers are cowards. They take their issues out on the most defenceless beings available to them."

She added the charity was urging people to maintain a watchful eye on their pets and to keep all cats indoors.

She added: "Because animals cannot report their own abuse and can do little to fight back, they are the perfect 'practice' victims for those who tend towards violence.

"Research in psychology and criminology suggests that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals often go on to commit violent acts against their fellow humans."

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.