This cat is recovering after being put inside a microwave

A boy of eight has reportedly microwaved his neighbour’s cat.

An investigation has been launched after the owner claimed the child cooked his pet in Rochester.

The man said he heard the microwave being operated before going downstairs to find his neighbour’s young son had put the cat inside.

The cat was taken by the owners to the PDSA charity for treatment and is recovering – but damage caused by microwaves can permanently harm internal organs, so the animal might have ongoing problems.

RSPCA inspector Ray Bailey said: "This was an absolutely horrendous incident and all the more shocking because of the alleged involvement of such a young child."

Because the accused child is under 10, the RSPCA and the police are unable to launch criminal proceedings against him.

This cut suffered a burnt tail after being put inside a microwave

However, Insp Bailey has contacted the Youth Offending Team at Medway Police Station and social services after the incident on Saturday.

RSPCA senior prosecutions case manager Terry Stroud said: "This is clearly shocking incident and one that the RSPCA feels certainly needs to be investigated by the appropriate authorities to find out why this happened and to work to prevent this kind of cruelty happening again."

The RSPCA has prosecuted 82 juveniles over the past three years – for offences including kicking a hedgehog to death, kicking guinea pigs to death and stealing a pet chicken before torturing her and ripping her head off.

Research conducted by the charity into the reasons behind young people hurting animals showed that in the majority of cases the youngsters’ parents showed no concern about the harm caused.