Kitten in Leamington named after Boris Johnson loses leg and is fighting for its life after 'cruel firework attack'

Boris, a black and white seven-month-old kitten - named because he was born on March 23 which was the day the British Prime Minister announced the first national lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic - did not return as normal to his home in Edmondscote Road last night (Thursday November 5).

His owner Lennie Cleary heard him meowing at the back window this afternoon - he had bravely managed to hobble back home after he had suffered horrific injuries including the loss of his right front leg and terrible burns to his neck and chest which had 'melted his skin'.

He was taken to the Avonvale Veterinary Centre in Warwick where he underwent surgery this afternoon (Friday November 6).

This included the amputation of the remaining bone of his missing leg.

Lennie believes the injuries were caused by a firework, which exploded close to Boris's body and that it may even have been tied to the kitten.

Boris is now recovering at the centre but there is still the risk of infection and 'wound stress' threatening his life.

Lennie shared the news of Boris's plight on Facebook and people have come forward to offer donations to help pay for his treatment, which could amount to up to £1,500 according to his owner.

Lennie said: "He was in such a bad state.

"The vets have told me that it is not uncommon for cats to have legs amputated due to injury but it's scary to think that we are in such a small town and there are people out there who would do such a thing.

"I can't thank those people who have offered to make donations enough."

Lennie has contacted Warwickshire Police about the incident.

Anybody who has any information about what happened to Boris can call 101 and quote crime reference number 184 of November 6.

Insp Wayne Boulton, of the Leamington Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This was a cowardly and shocking attack on a defenceless animal.

"The cat doesn’t tend to travel far from home so the attack will most likely have happened in the area around Edmondscote Road.

"We’d like to hear from anyone who has information that can help us identify those responsible.”

AJ, Lennie's daughter, has set up a GoFundMe page for people to make donations to help the family pay for Boris's treatment.

https://uk.gofundme.com/f/boris-vet-fund