Pets dumped 25 miles away, claims 'catnapper' (From This is Hampshire)

Pets dumped 25 miles away, claims 'catnapper'

12:00pm Thursday 18th October 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

SOUTHAMPTON residents whose cats have mysteriously gone missing are fearing the worst after an anonymous letter writer claimed that the pets have been abducted and dumped at least 25 miles away.

The letter, which arrived at the Daily Echo, said that the catnapper took action because the animals were "invading" gardens, killing birds and shrubs and using them as a toilet, which posed a health danger to children.

The author taunted: "They have not been harmed, just re-located", adding: "you have virtually no chance of getting them back."

The letter went on: "If you were lucky enough to get your cat back...the second time they get caught in my garden, they will be destroyed."

Shocked residents, who had launched a plea for the safe return of seven missing cats, have branded the author "sick and cruel".

The police are now investigating the letter.

Ellie Catto, 30, who lost both her beloved cats, said: "If somebody has taken and dumped them as far as I'm concerned that's theft and cruelty to animals. They will be confused and hungry.

"It makes me really angry. My children are missing their pets and very upset.

"If it's a hoax it's pretty sick."

Another resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "It's disgraceful. I'm absolutely appalled."

She feared that her cat, which was without its kidney tablets, was now dead.

"It's cruel and slightly sick. It will be heartbreaking for the children across the road," she said. "This behaviour is quite threatening and rather frightening. Is somebody wandering around watching our cats?"

As reported in the Echo, cats started to go missing at an alarming rate in Bramley Crescent, Sholing.

Some feared that they have been taken away by yobs and used as target practice while others thought that they may have been stolen for their fur.

The RSPCA and the Blue Cross animal welfare charity were notified and fliers put up.

Now, if the letter is genuine, it appears there is a disgruntled catnapper living nearby.

The letter left the clue: "I have lived in the Bramley Crescent area for many years with my family."

The catnapper said that six cats, five of which were featured in the Echo, were caught in one garden and taken away by a lorry driver friend.

Insp Andrew Timms said: "If the letter writer has taken these cats, then he or she is guilty of theft. Anyone who helped, such as the lorry driver, has aided and abetted an offender in committing the crime.

"It sounds very much as if the letter writer is local to the Bramley Crescent area, and officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods Team will be taking an interest."

Police urged anyone whose cat is missing to report it.

• Print
• Email
• Share