Notice vows felines who defecate in gardens other than their own will be ‘dealt with’

An anonymous notice threatening to harm pet cats in an Angus village for their “disgusting habits” has been branded “bizarre and cruel”.

The poster, which took exception to felines defecating in nearby gardens and communal areas, was pinned to a public notice board and addressed to “certain cat owners of Liff”.

It said the behaviour around Westgreen Wynd, The Glebe, and the local playpark, was “frequently performed” on the grassy areas before being “secretly buried” and said the animals will be “dealt with” if it continues.

Animal protection charity the SSPCA said it is “concerned” about the threats and deliberately harming an animal is illegal.

It is understood no cats have been injured or harmed in the area recently.

Nicky Beaton, from the online community Missing Pets, Dundee and Angus, said: “Hopefully this person will rethink their behaviour when they see the reaction it has got.

“We want to warn pet owners to be extra vigilant. People will be very angry if any cats are harmed after this. It’s bizarre and has cruel intentions.”

The notice added the cat waste is “not fair on anyone, especially for those with small children playing on their own property”.

It added: “This has gone on for years and if it continues the animals will be dealt with by methods which will not be pleasant for them.

“If you love your pet then look after it at your own home. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.”

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We are concerned about the posters. Due to the roaming nature of cats, there is very little anyone can do to control where they do their business.

“Members of the public can look in to safe deterrents to keep cats from their own garden such as chicken wire under fencing or various plants that discourage cats from entering.

“But it’s very difficult to keep them away from public areas.”

He asked members of the public to call 03000 999 999 anonymously with any information on who put up the posters or if they believe someone to be purposefully trying to injure an animal.

“These posters will have been, understandably, very distressing for cat owners in the area and they will now be worried about the welfare of their pets.

“We would like to remind everyone that deliberately harming an animal is an offence punishable by law.