A PROMINENT Greenock vet has thrown his weight behind the Tele’s Justice for Pets campaign — after recalling the carnage he was faced with in the aftermath of the Gourock mini zoo slaughter.

Neil McIntosh, who was called to the crime scene in the aftermath of the savage attack, has spoken out in support of our bid to change the law as our online petition approaches 1,500 signatures.

Tele columnist Neil, who also runs Abbey Veterinary Practice in Murdieston Street, said he is still haunted by the dreadful scenes he was met with after being called to Pets’ Corner in 2011.

He said: “For me, the sight of the dead and injured will remain for a long time.

“The savaged guinea pigs, being completely defenceless and without hope of escape, were particularly disturbing.

“When we realised that not only had a dog been let loose on the animals, but also that a golf club had been wielded in the despicable cowardly prolonged attack, our one hope was that the perpetrator might be brought to justice before any other living being suffered.

“Our experienced vets and nurses were stunned by the level of depravity that they saw.” People across Inverclyde are furious that no one has been convicted for the Pets’ Corner attack, which left many animals dead A man was arrested and held by police in 2013 after being linked to the crime through DNA evidence, but the case was dropped because the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act prevents people accused of such crimes from being pursued more than six months after the offence took place.

Neil says the Tele campaign has exposed a serious flaw in a law designed to protect animals.

He added: “Any reasonable person would have to question why a clause in the Animal Welfare Act would prevent the person arrested for this crime from being prosecuted, merely because time has passed.

“It was clearly an Act designed to improve animal welfare and prevent cruelty, but the inclusion of a six month time bar would seem not to fit those aims.

“This is particularly poignant since the physical and mental injuries sustained by those involved — both humans and animals — do not automatically heal after six months.

“Indeed, for many, they will be lifelong.

“We certainly hope those animals did not die or suffer in vain. The only consolation now would be if their memory and the lack of justice for they received, combined with the Tele’s campaign, prompts the Scottish Government to make a common sense and simple amendment to the Animal Welfare Act.

“I don’t think that is too much to ask.” Our hard copy Justice for Pets petitions are available to sign at all newsagents and the Tele front office, as well as in the waiting area at Abbey Vets in Greenock’s Murdieston Street.

A VIGIL in support of the Tele’s Justice for Pets campaign will take place tomorrow night.

People are being reminded that it will be held at Pets’ Corner within Gourock Park at 7pm.