It follows reports of a number of cats going missing after residents nearby had spotted a ‘pattern'
Following reports that around 10 cats have gone missing from the Garth Owen area of Newtown in the past year, with many disappearances occurring in recent months, PETA is responding with a red alert, calling on all residents in the area to keep cats indoors.
Ringo, who went missing last October, was reunited with his owner several months after being found more miles away from his home, which you can read more about here. But there are a number of cats still missing from the area.
Powys Animal Welfare charity confirmed that another missing cat was found dead. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
PETA Vice President of Programs Elisa Allen said: “These disappearances are a reminder that it’s never safe to let our animal companions roam outdoors unattended, even for ‘just a minute.
“Cats count on us to protect them, and the best way to do that is by keeping them safe indoors.”
The charity has also shared that in addition to risking being abducted, cats who are allowed to roam outdoors are in danger of sustaining injuries, or ingesting poison, contracting fatal diseases, becoming lost, and facing many other hazards.
Local councillor Kelly Healy has noticed that there has become a pattern in the Garth Owen area of the Powys town.
Although most cats have not been found, Kelly told WalesOnline that several have turned up in locations far away from the area from Shropshire to Aberystwyth.
“There is one lady who has lost three cats from the same household and says she couldn’t get another one now because of what’s been happening.
“I’ve never heard of anything like this happening around here, and I ran a cat rescue for seven years and we never had cats vanish like this.
“We saw dreadful things but no weird stuff like this.”
Kelly is urging people in the community to remain extra cautious at this time, noting: “Definitely microchip your cats, and make sure they are neutered as this can stop them from sometimes wandering off.
“And if you’ve lost a cat, contact me.”
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed they are making enquiries to determine whether any offences have taken place, noting: “We have received two reports raising concerns about missing cats in the Garth Owen area of Newtown.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish if a criminal offence has occurred.”
