A Sphynx cat tattooed with gang symbols is hoping to find a new home after being left behind by its crime-boss owner, who was shot dead after he escaped from prison.

The Sphynx cat is a hairless breed of cat, beloved of baddies in popular films.

The specimen in question was seized by public safety officials after it was found in the jail in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Its owner – 33-year-old Ernesto Alfredo Pinon de la Cruz, also known as El Neto – was the leader of local street gang Los Mexicles.

He was killed in a shoot-out with police on 5th January, four days after his escape from Cereso No. 3 state prison.

Shockingly, officials found the feline had been inked twice.

One of its tattoos is of a golden eagle with the text ‘Made in Mexico’ – a known symbol of the criminal gang that organised the New Year’s Day prison break.

The moggy was handed to municipal pet rescue workers.

Animal welfare head Diego Poggio told local media: “It has a minor ear and eye infection.

“The issue of the tattoos, as established by our regulations, is animal abuse, as any mutilation or unnecessary marking is considered obvious abuse.”

One of its inkings – experts believe – was made without anaesthesia, while the pet was still conscious.

They believe it was held down by the gang members while the procedure was performed.

Poggio said: “It is a situation that causes a lot of stress for these types of animals because they have very sensitive skin.”

Animal officials hope the three-year-old – which does not yet have a name – can be put up for adoption in the near future.

However, this can only take place once public safety officials in Chihuahua State have completed their investigation into the prison break.

Media in Mexico report that Sphynx cats typically fetch between MXN 30,000 (GBP 1,300) and MXN 40,000 (GBP 1,800) locally.

When they rescued the cat, public safety officials also found a mechanical bull, plasma televisions, industrial refrigerators, speakers, barbecues, and even a pair of trainers worth MXN 19,000 (GBP 840) inside the prison.

There is no official record of any of the goods having entered the jail.