Hettie, the emaciated kitten which died after an attack in Gravesend

A kitten died last week after being attacked by youths in Gravesend.

The hunt is on for witnesses after the death of a kitten which was attacked in Gravesend last week

The white tortoiseshell coloured kitten was brought into Parrock Street Veterinary Surgery by a member of the public after it was seen being kicked outside a row of shops on Kitchener Avenue on May 3 (Thursday).

Sadly, the kitten – named Hettie – died the next day after being observed overnight by Amy Everden, 25, a veterinary nurse, at her home in Virgina Walk.

Ms Everden said: “It was absolutely emaciated, just skin and bone. It had jaw and throat swelling – we thought the jaw was broken at first.”

She estimated that the kitten was just three to four weeks old.

Ms Everden, who owns two cats herself, believes that parents should teach their children how to look after animals and this is where the problem of animal currently lies.

“They are not taught to respect animals and I think it comes down to raising your children to look after animals,” she said. “People get them and don’t realise they are a lifelong commitment – these days they can live between 18 and 20 years.”

She added: “I just hope that someone comes forward otherwise there will be no justice.”

The alleged attack happened at noon on Kitchener Avenue.

Animal charity the RSCPA wants to hear from anyone who witnessed the attack, or knows who may have been involved.

“We would like to hear from anyone who has any information about the death of this kitten. Please call us in confidence on 03001 234999,” said a RSPCA spokesman. “It was a horrendous and shocking attack.”