A BOY in his teens was seen shaking a cat by the scruff of its neck and kicking the pet during an ‘upsetting incident’ at a Poole estate.

RSPCA officials are calling for witnesses to speak to them after the incident, which happened in Canford Heath just after 6.20pm on April 28.

The youngster, who is believed to be a teenager, was spotted lifting the cat by the back of its neck and shaking it.

He then kicked the animal as he dropped it to the ground.

Members of the public who saw the incident contacted the animal welfare charity. The attack was also captured on dash cam.

Footage from the incident has been released in a bid to find the youngster responsible.

RSPCA animal welfare officer Jo Blackburn urged anyone with information about the boy to come forward.

“We would be interested to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident with information which may help our investigation,” she said.

“Any witnesses can get in touch by calling our inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

The boy, was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a green hooded jacket and blue and white trainers.

He was spotted attacking the cat while walking with a group of five young people – four boys and a girl with long dark hair.

The incident happened at the junction of Sherborne Road and Adastral Road in Canford Heath.

Ms Blackburn said: “Anyone who sees an animal being cruelly treated or who suspects an animal is being neglected can contact the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999 or report it via the RSPCA website.

“The incident has also been reported to police and captured on dash cam footage, from which this still is taken.”

Police and councillors have been working to combat a spike in reports of anti-social behaviour in Canford Heath in recent months.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Poole police have implemented a new scheme to tackle trouble in the area.

Officers are making more home visits to the parents or carers of young offenders. The team are also repeatedly attending the homes of victims of anti-social behaviour.

Police have encouraged members of the community to report all incidents so officers can take action.

Problems were particularly bad last summer. As a result, Michael Tomlinson, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, called a public meeting to give residents the chance to discuss their concerns.

The MP told the Echo: “There is real concern among the community about the behaviour of gangs of youths.”