Angie McGowan, a pet owner in Edinburgh, has spoken of her horror after her two-year-old cat Miguel was allegedly abused by a group of teenagers in the Broomhouse area. The incident took place at around 7pm on Friday, June 12, 2026, on Broomhouse Crescent.
Details of the Incident
McGowan was at home when a neighbour knocked on her door to inform her that Miguel had been swung around by a teenager, had gum stuck to him, and was then thrown into a public bush. She rushed outside to confront the group, but they had already left. She had to cut Miguel's fur to remove the gum.
McGowan reported the incident to Police Scotland, who confirmed they received a report at around 1.10am on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Enquiries are ongoing.
Impact on Miguel and Owner
McGowan told EdinburghLive: "I felt physically sick when I heard she had been swinging him about. I was absolutely distraught." She added that Miguel, who turns three in November, is well known in the neighbourhood but has been left apprehensive and reluctant to go outside. "Normally with the sun out, he would be roaming the streets but now he's not leaving," she said.
McGowan believes tougher action is needed to tackle animal cruelty, stating: "If this is what teenagers do to animals - what will be the next?" She has asked neighbours to check their cameras, but nothing has been captured due to the location.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Enquiries are at an early stage."
