Last week five-month-old kitten, Jess, went off for her usual Friday night jaunt around the Carrick Drive area.

However, when she had not arrived back by the Saturday morning the owners became concerned.

Philip Kilpatrick, partner to owner Jill Sands said they hoped the kitten had found a friendly cat lover and would soon return.

He said: "Jess was a beautiful little bundle, a loving, carefree, impish kitten that was loved very dearly. She was pampered and loved to get out in the great outdoors and was great at catching mice - only last week she caught her first mouse.

"When she did not show up on Friday morning we were a little concerned, but as the hours passed our anxiety grew."

Jill received a phone call on Sunday evening from a neighbour, saying they thought they had found the kitten.

Philip continued: "Jill rang me and was clearly distraught, the neighbour said there was a black object lying motionless behind the house."

Jess was found dead on a small piece of land to the rear of Carrick Drive, and beside Carrick Drive Mews - yards from her home.

"It's my opinion that somebody killed the kitten, probably a sick way to get their kicks while knocking back a few drinks," said Philip.

"Why anybody would want to harm such a loving and trusting animal is beyond me - it is sick.

"There are plenty of other cats that roam around the area and I would stress to owners to be on the look out for their pets - hopefully someone knows something and we can stop another incident like this."

Jill and Philip have offered a reward for information from anyone who may know what happened to Jess, if you have any information call 3832 5756 - all calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.