Updated 4.10pm

Anyone with information about the people responsible for dousing a friendly street cat named Tommy in petrol and burning it alive will receive a €1,000 reward, following two pledges made by an NGO and restaurant. 

The Real Animal Rights Foundation made a €500 reward offer on Monday, with co-founder Romina Frendo saying it would pass all relevant information to the police while protecting the confidentiality of anyone providing information. 

That pledge was doubled to €1,000 later on Monday after La Maltija restaurant in St Julian's offered to put up a €500 reward of its own to catch the perpetrator. 

Confidential information can be sent via email on rarmalta@gmail.com or 77550550.

Police said on Sunday that they were investigating the case after receiving a report last Monday of a burnt cat carcass found in Triq Il-Polverista in Cospicua.  

A police spokesperson said that it appeared the cat had been doused in petrol and burnt alive.

News of the act of cruelty left animal lovers in a state of shock, with many sharing their disbelief. 

"Such acts of cruelty are despicable and reflective of a dead conscience," said Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina. 

"Harming an innocent animal like this is also the ultimate act of cowardice."

The Commissioner is collaborating with the Police and that anyone who may have information on the case should contact the police, the Commissioner or RAR.