Police investigate spate of dog attacks on cats
POLICE are investigating a spate of late-night incidents where dogs have been used to viciously kill cats.
A man is reportedly roaming the Afan Valley village of Cwmavon with greyhound or lurcher breed dogs.
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Officers have been told he sets the animals off in pursuit of the cats in order to severely injure or kill them.
PC Chris Doyle, of Port Talbot Police Station, said: "It is highly likely that the animals killed have been family pets and it can be distressing for those families concerned to find out that their beloved pet has been killed in such a gruesome way."
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He said police believe the incidents happen late at night or during the early hours of the morning.
"In recent weeks there have been several reports of a man with greyhound or lurcher-type dogs using them to deliberately kill cats throughout the village of Cwmavon," he added.
Bryn and Cwmavon councillor Dave Whitelock said people have been talking about the incidents on Facebook.
"I am concerned about it," he said.
"We don't want this type of thing happening in the village.
"The children are back in school now and it would not be very nice if a child saw it."
Police, who are working with the RSPCA, are appealing for any information from the public about the incidents.
PC Doyle added: "We are currently investigating these incidents in conjunction with the RSPCA, and I would like to reassure the residents of Cwmavon, that should this person be identified then robust and positive action will be taken.
"I am appealing to anyone who can assist us identifying this individual or has any relevant information to come forward."
A RSPCA spokesman said: "If anyone sees somebody deliberately inflicting cruelty on animals, they should call the RSPCA 24-hours a day on 0300 1234 999 and we will investigate.
"We often rely on the public to be our eyes and ears.
"If we can catch anyone who is deliberately setting their dog onto a cat, they can expect to be taken to court and could find themselves facing a jail sentence."
Anyone with information contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the RSPCA.
gill.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk
01792 514626
Comments
by andrew_oconno
Friday, September 07 2012, 7:18PM
“"Humans don't use the world as their toilet? Of course not. Get real."
Of course they do, but you can't control the world- you can, however, control your cat.
Please don't let your cats outdoors. Not only do they harm the ecosystem, but outdoor cats live considerably shorter lives due to hazards (cars, predators, etc.) and infectious diseases that are prevalent in many birds and rodents.
Indoor cats will live, on average, to be 17, whereas outdoor cats are lucky to reach that age. This isn't just me writing it, most veterinary associations recommend this, as well.
I don't condone what this "man with dog" is doing by any means, but I will use the opportunity to raise an important issue: If you love your cat, don't let it out.”
by godisalie
Friday, September 07 2012, 3:01PM
“Humans don't use the world as their toilet? Of course not. Get real.”
by Neathboy234
Friday, September 07 2012, 2:04PM
“There is no law which says cats cannot go out. To be honest I would expect nothing less than some of the posts below. Just your average EP reader or so it would seem.”
by Reactions
Friday, September 07 2012, 1:26PM
“"Cats also use the world as their litter box and spread disease in the process".
Yeah, let's put nappies on wild birds as well.
Irony aside, as a friend pointed out on Facebook, when (and I sincerely hope it's not "if") this person is caught, it's more than wrong that the dogs will probably be destroyed for doing their masters bidding. It isn't the dogs fault, but that of this person with a very perverted idea of what is fun. I hope some people "get to him" before the police.”
by maxmin
Friday, September 07 2012, 6:43AM
“Agree with andrews comments. I find it a bit strange that apparently several people have seen this man yet there does not seem to be a decent description of him. Also at a time when everyone seems to be carrying a camera phone - no pictures.”
by andrew_oconno
Friday, September 07 2012, 2:32AM
“Family cats should not be allowed outside in an urban environment. They are considered an invasive species because they kill natural wildlife, including local birds. Cats also use the world as their litter box and spread disease in the process, which is why pregnant women are advised not to handle cat feces.
This is obviously not the way to handle the problem, but the point is sound: please don't allow your family cats to roam free outside.”