Hamilton Police investigating Friday's burglary of a home in the east of the City are hoping public revulsion of cruelty to animals will help them find those responsible.
Senior Constable Bruce Bogun said the family arrived at their Albert St home to find a locked bathroom window at the rear of the house had been jemmied by burglars.
"A number of items were stolen including the keys to a blue Daihatsu Charade car parked in the driveway that was stolen and later found burnt out.
"More disturbingly however were the injuries suffered by the family's cat which were so severe the animal had to be put down," he said.
An upset mother described how her 10-year-old daughter who found the cat cowering in a cupboard.
"It appeared to be in a lot of pain and taking it to the vet we were told it had had its tail broken in three places and had a broken pelvis.
"The cat also suffered serious internal injuries from being kicked, my daughter is very- very upset with it having to be put down," she said.
Mr Bogun said enough stress was created by people who were made victims by burglars without the victimisation of an innocent animal and the trauma caused to the children.
"Victim Support has already been offered to the family but what we'd really like to see is some assistance in helping us give them peace of mind through an arrest," he said.
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