Continued concern about missing cats in Stranraer
12 July 2014
We have been
concerned for some time about the number of cats reported missing in
the Stranraer area. Last year saw a rapid increase and it was
suspected that two unsavoury characters were stealing them for ill
gains. We had discussions with the police and were given the
impression that a file would be kept on the subject.
However, one year on
and the number of cats missing has risen again in Stranraer. I have
had upsetting reports from members of the public about dog attacks on
cats in the area. It appears that these may be deliberate acts rather
than accidents. I have spoken to the police and SSPCA; however, they
say there is little they can do without evidence. The SSPCA were not
aware of the missing cat problem in Stranraer.
The Environmental,
Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) recommended Defra extends the
law on dangerous dogs to cover attacks that injure protected animals.
This would include cats. This was recommended in 2013 and I have not
been able to find the outcome yet. However, it is an offence to have
your dogs out of control and allowing them to attack and kill a cat
while you look on is what I would call blatantly out of control.
If you hear of any
such behaviour or have suspicions about missing cats, please inform
the police on 101 and the SSPCA on 03000 999 999. The police have
suggested that reports coming third party through us carry no weight.
We offer a lost and
found service via our social media pages and website. However if your
cat goes missing, you must also inform the SSPCA and insist it is
passed to the local SSPCA inspector so they can be kept abreast of what is happening.