Mystery of missing cats

FEARS continue to grow among cat owners in Dover and George Town after reports emerged over recent weeks of dozens of pets mysteriously going missing in the towns.

At least 22 domestic cats are reported to have disappeared without at race between the towns. Several have turned up injured or dead, leading to suspicions they are being trapped and killed.

Four of Dover woman Anne-Maree Lomas’ cats were among 12 that went missing from her neighbourhood over the past five months, however one of her cats returned on Monday.

They were all microchipped and desexed.

She is now building a cat run to make sure her remaining six pets cannot leave her property and says many of her neighbours are doing the same.

“We are all very concerned because we are all cat lovers down here,” Mrs Lomas said. “Two of our neighbours have lost one and our other neighbour lost one and had one severely injured .”

Tasmania Police has said no link between the disappearances and criminal activity has been established, however a number of theories have arisen in the communities.

“If anyone knows of anything (they should) togo to the police, because people dot end to brag down that way that they are using them for live bait for cray fishing ,” Mrs Lo mass aid.

“There was a pretty little Siamese cat washed upon the beach near us .”

Mrs Lo mass aid she had spoken with the RSPCA and intended to contact Sue Mad dig an from GeorgeTown who has spoken out about similar disappearances recently.

“I think there was a bit of poisoning up that way as well ,” Mrs Lo mass aid.

Mrs Lomas said Dover’s local police officer was “very concerned because he’ s a cat lover as well ”.

Animal behavioural consultant Dr Katrina Ward said there were no behavioural reasons desexed cats would “suddenly decide to depart their homes” and not return.

“It does sound like it’s something malicious, that’s for sure.”