Phantom cat clipper causes owners distress

A cat owner has said she has been left "really upset" when her pet returned home with parts of the fur shaved off.

Elouise Evans, who lives in Pinchbeck, near Spalding, in Lincolnshire, said her cat Dolly had been targeted three times in three years, with fur on her belly, back and right leg having been clipped.

"It's really upsetting if I'm honest - it's one of those things that can induce such anxiety in them," she said.

Police have urged cat owners in the area to be vigilant after officers said they were made aware of similar incidents in the village and in Kirton, near Boston, which officers described as "very bizarre".

Another Pinchbeck resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said both of his cats had been targeted multiple times and described the behaviour as "weird".

He said it was "concerning" that someone was deliberately clipping their fur.

Insp Matthew Dickinson, from Lincolnshire Police, said the cats did not appear physically harmed but small areas of their fur had been shaven "by some form of hair clippers".

"The motivation behind this is not known," he said.

The officer described the incidents as "completely unacceptable".

"Whatever the motivation behind this, it is not something that should be taking place," he said.

"The cats in question are someone's pet, part of their family and not only will these actions cause anxiety to the animal they also cause worry to their owners.

"Anyone who is evidenced to be responsible for doing this will have robust action taken against them and where necessary be prosecuted for any criminal offences identified.

"This is not a bit of fun and needs to stop now."

He encouraged owners to report any incidents to police.

Aaliyah Thorpe, who also lives in Pinchbeck and has three cats, said although her pets had not yet been targeted it was a worrying situation.

"It just makes me wonder why they are doing it.

"It is very strange.

"There are a lot of cats on this street and it seems to be happening more often," she said.

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