Stray cat feeders assaulted, knocked unconscious in western Sydney

Two people helping to feed stray cats have been assaulted in an "atrocious" attack.

One of them was knocked unconscious, according to volunteers from Community Helping Campbelltown Cats in western Sydney.

The charity said one of its members was feeding a colony of 15 stray cats when a man pulled up in a car.

READ MORE: Gunman identified after eight children killed in Louisiana

LIVE UPDATES: Treasurer admits Australia 'hostage' to world politics amid recession fears

"The colony manager had fed the cats, was tidying up when two colleagues happened to be passing and stopped to talk to her," the charity said on Facebook.

"The colony manager was asked if she was still feeding the cats and matters quickly escalated.

"The two male colleagues stepped up to protect the Colony Manager and were viciously attacked, one ending up laying unconscious with a head injury."

The post said the charity is "devastated" and said there is "no easy solution" to helping unowned cats due to a lack of money and support.

Police confirmed they were called to the street in Ingleburn following reports of an assault at 11.30pm on Friday night.

"A 33-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman had been assaulted by an unknown man, who had left before the arrival of police," police said.

MONEY: Millions of Australian workers to get instant $1000 tax deduction

WATCH: Schoolboy becomes trapped in bus doors and dragged down road

He was white, 185cm to 190cm tall, aged in his 30s, with brown hair and a brown beard.

He was wearing navy shorts and a teal singlet and was in a gold Nissan Patrol with NSW registration DI21XU.

NSW Ambulance confirmed they attended on Friday night and two people were taken to Campbelltown Hospital.

Police are appealing for CCTV or dashcam.

It is raising money to try and get the cats off the streets.

A spokeswoman for the charity said it's "no surprise NSW has a challenge with cats on the streets".

"Whilst there are some local and state government initiatives under way the investment and resources applied are simply inadequate," she told 9news.com.au.

"It is left to volunteer rescue groups and members of the community to do what they can to stop the breeding and get cats off the streets when they can.

"These individuals risk their welfare day in day out; it is simply not right.

"We call upon the local and state government to step up and get serious about addressing the problem."

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play

• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here

• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here