Fury over cat killer's move

Published 1 Apr 2010 11:14

EXCLUSIVE By Ewan McInnes

A TWISTED cat killer has been given a council house in Barrhead.

Residents of the town will be disgusted to learn Anthony Docherty, who was convicted of killing and abusing cats last year, is being housed in the town by East Renfrewshire Council.

It is understood because Docherty was living in Clarkston at the time of his conviction it is the responsibility of the local authority to rehouse him within its jurisdiction.

One cat owner, who chose not to be named, expressed his disbelief at the decision.

And he said he now fears for his pet's safety.

He said: "What that man did was sick. Why does he have to be housed in Barrhead? All cat owners will be dreading it when they hear about this.

"It is unbelievable this guy is being housed here - why not send him back to Clarkston?

"It seems like only a few months ago he was put in jail and I can't believe he is out already. When I heard the story about this guy I thought it was disgusting and I remember saying to my wife how I was glad he didn't live near us and now he lives in the same town.

"How someone could do that to those poor defenceless animals I'll never know. What else could he be capable of?"

The Barrhead man added: "I hope this guy is a changed man and I won't need to worry about my cat, but what can you do?"

It is thought that because of a lack of homeless accommodation in Clarkston the council has limited spaces for tenants and has chosen Barrhead as Docherty's destination.

A council spokesman said: "The council has a responsibility to house a resident presented as homeless and carefully assess that individual and the community's needs."

In June last year, Docherty admitted at Paisley Sheriff Court to killing three cats and abusing others.

It was revealed in court that he had decapitated, skinned and pulled the tail off his other feline victims. As well as receiving an eight month sentence for these crimes he was banned for life from keeping animals.

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This article appeared in Barrhead News 31 Mar 10

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