Man traps neighbour's cat before 'setting it alight'

A man has allegedly trapped his neighbour's cat, set it on fire and let it run home to its devastated owner in far north Queensland.

The man used a trap to catch the pet cat in Innisfail in the early hours of Saturday morning, police allege.

The cat was then allegedly doused in petrol and set alight as it was released from the trap.

Mortally wounded, the animal ran home where it was found by its owner.

Its owner rushed it to a local vet but it had to be euthanised.

Police charged the 62-year-old man with serious animal cruelty.

He is scheduled to appear at Innisfail Magistrates Court on September 18.