Pink cat that was dumped 'was victim of sick prank'

The charity is trying to trace the owner of the animal, which was thrown over a fence into a back garden in Swindon, Wiltshire, last Saturday night.

The dye is not toxic but failed to budge with washing and the vet caring for the cat – nicknamed Pink – said further washes could cause her a lot of stress with little result.

Vet Penny Gillespie, who is looking after Pink, said: "We have no idea what the dye is or how long it will last. It is clearly not toxic but still unpleasant.

"The person responsible has covered her thoroughly all over but avoided putting any around the animal's eyes and nose."

The naturally white female cat, aged between one and two years, is healthy and the fur around her neck suggests she wore a collar until recently.