Ref. 73135-34CHILDREN tortured a five-week-old kitten by stubbing out cigarettes in its eye.

The cruel act has shocked animal carers in Swindon, who say they are sickened by the deed.

The kitten is recovering at the Swindon and District Animal Haven after it was rescued by a passer-by close to junction 16 of the M4.

It is believed the black tom cat, which has now been called Midnight because of his colour, was moments from death as the youngsters, who were carrying out the brutal act near the town, drowned four of his brothers and sisters.

John Warwick, who has been running the haven with his wife Deana for seven years, said he found it hard to understand why the children, all aged under ten, would torture the animals.

"It was very young and defenceless," he said. "When it came in it had burns in its eye. It had been stubbed twice in its left eye and there were blisters around it.

"It was really horrible but luckily there was someone to rescue him. Thankfully, he has bounced back quickly and will recover. We are hoping to re-home him."

About 1,400 animals a year are taken to the haven's 20-acre site at Warwick Farm, near Wootton Bassett.

In the last 12 months more than 50 neglected or abused animals have come into its care.

"Cruelty does go on but it is limited," said Mr Warwick, 48. "But even though it is limited, when it happens it is usually horrific."

The RSPCA has warned that cat shootings and cases of cruelty are on the rise in Wiltshire.

Spiralling problems were highlighted when a cat died after being shot four times in the back with an air rifle in Wootton Bassett.

The charity says that it is seeing an increase in cats being killed, maimed and even losing legs. And around this time of year the animals sometimes have lit fireworks tied to their tails.

RSPCA spokesman Helen Briggs said: "Cats are a common animal to be abused because of the way they live. They spend a lot of time outside making them susceptible to attack and abuse.

"Unfortunately, there are some sick people in this world."

Earlier this year, RSPCA figures showed a rise in cruelty cases. Between 2002 and 2003 the number of rescues in the south and south west had risen from 2,009 to 2,168.

To report cruelty phone the charity's 24-hour phone line on 0870 5555999. And to offer a new home to the kitten, which was taken in last week, phone 07990 868887.

Ben Payne