HELENSBURGH’S friendliest feline had a lucky escape last week - and the incident has sparked a plea from his humans for other pet owners to keep their animals under control.

George the Helensburgh cat, who lives with Elizabeth and Dennis Royal in the town, has become a local celebrity in recent years with his antics attracting hundreds of likes and comments on social media, and online pages set up in his name reaching thousands of followers from across the globe.

The mischievous moggy is regularly spotted patrolling the streets and posing for photos, while he is known to frequent local supermarkets and even hopped on board public transport for a sightseeing trip elsewhere.

In September 2019 he was reunited with his owners after straying around 14 miles from home and being found at Firkin Point, north of Luss.

Last week the curious cat got caught up in a scuffle with a dog, and a post on George’s Facebook page read: “Don’t panic - I’m ok but am recovering from losing one of my nine lives last week.

READ MORE: Helensburgh cat George found 14 miles from home after going missing

“I was sitting quite happily at the end of my drive minding my own business when a wolfhound-ish type dog went for me.

“It tore its lead out of its owner’s hand and before I knew what was happening, it had me in its jaws.

“I managed to escape and run across the road and under a van. However, the dog came after me and managed to drag me out.

“Luckily Elizabeth’s neighbours, Margaret and Maxine, heard the commotion and ran out to help me. They probably saved my life as they managed to get the dog off me before it did any damage.

“Some of my best friends are dogs, but please, please make sure they are always under control.

“Amazingly no harm done. Thanks Margaret and Maxine, my heroes.”

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