The kitten was put into a traffic cone by a group of youths who then repeatedly threw the cone against a wall, inflicting serious head and facial injuries to the cat.

A member of the public found the distressed animal near Monaghan Row and took it to the Newry Veterinary Centre where the animal was nursed back to health.

Liam Fitzsimmons, a vet at the centre, slammed those responsible for the mindless act and called for a greater awareness of animal cruelty. "This is sickening behaviour," he said. "When we took the kitten in it had blood coming from a head wound and bruising to one of its eyes.

"This attack is the latest in a spate of incidents. Two weeks ago a kitten was brought in to the surgery with its tail badly injured by a firework, and recently we treated a dog that was also hurt after a firework was attached to it.

"These type of incidents are not restricted to the Newry area however. They are happening across the country and they must be highlighted," he added.

Alan Ward, USPCA County Welfare Officer for Down, said attacks on animals in the Newry area was on the increase.

"This is another sad case in a long line of attacks on defenceless animals. These attacks are on the increase in the Newry area and I would urge members of the public who witness suck attacks on animals to contact the USPCA Animal Helpline on 08000 280 010."