A cat which had photos of her with her ears cut off posted on Facebook by a Derry-based animal rehoming charity was not a victim of cruelty, it has emerged.
The Rainbow Rehoming Centre posted photos of “Leah” on Friday with an appeal for information.
The Centre is facing criticism after the owners of “Leah” described the post as “totally misleading,” adding they had handed the cat over the Eglinton centre and that her ears had been removed because of infection.
In its original post, the Rainbow Centre said: "Today we received a phone call from a concerned member of the public about a stray cat that had been hanging about for quite some time. We are appealing for people in the area to help with any information.
"She was found in the Ballynamore Road The Cross Derry/Londonderry area with very badly injured ears along with her two surviving kittens. We have named her Leah and she is receiving the necessary treatment. Any information please contact us."
However, the family who handed the cat into the centre have said that the posts were "totally misleading" and called on the centre to explain what happened.
A woman, who asked not to be named, said her elderly and blind father had been feeding the stray cat for several months.
Speaking to Derry Now, the man's daughter revealed they realised there was a problem with her ears.
She said they were also concerned their father would not be able to continue looking after “Leah” due to ill-health so they contacted the Rainbow Rehoming Centre.
She said the family handed the cat in on Thursday and she was taken for veterinary treatment.
She added what had been portrayed had been “very stressful” for her father and the family.
"We would like the charity to clarify the issue publicly. She did not look like that when I handed her over.
"Those photos are from after treatment."
In a post on Facebook on Saturday, the charity confirmed the cat was not a victim of cruelty.
It read: "Leah is currently receiving the treatment needed for her ears and both Leah and her kittens are doing extremely well.
"Sadly, the treatment resulted in the removal of the remainder of her ears.
"We have consulted with our vets and there is no evidence that animal cruelty was involved.
“We would like to thank those in the Ballynamore area that cared for both Leah and her kittens which resulted in Leah receiving the treatment she needed."
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.