A cat who became a local celebrity by hanging out at a supermarket has died following a dog attack.

Sammy, a black cat with no tail, was often spotted around Ashford's Kimberley Way Asda and had her own Facebook page.

Unfortunately - despite the best efforts of the supermarket's staff and vets - a dog attack on Wednesday proved fatal and Sammy died on the operating table yesterday evening.

Its owner allegedly did not intervene as Sammy was flung about, with a homeless man helping to get Sammy out of the Staffordshire terrier's mouth and alerting staff.

Despite being whisked away to Cinque Port Vets in Kingsnorth for an x-ray and emergency operation, the popular pussycat's internal injuries proved fatal.

Owner Joanne Henderson, who has two other cats, said: "We're on holiday in Majorca so that makes things worse. My daughter's dealing with it all, she went down and gave her a cuddle.

"The police are coming down on Monday because when this happened, a man who was with the dog's owner said it was the fourth time in two weeks.

"Everyone is devastated. Thank you so much for everything the Asda staff have done and for looking out for her all the time. She loved all of you."

Last year Sammy went missing for a month, eventually turning up 30 miles away in Gillingham.

A Gofundme campaign has been started to recoup the £1,000 vet bill, which has already raised £576 in 20 hours.

Mrs Henderson said: "I had a tough decision to make when my daughter called me last night - to operate or just put her to sleep.

"I just wanted to give her a fighting chance but unfortunately it wasn't successful."

To donate to the campaign, click here.

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