WILTSHIRE police are appealing for information following several reports of cats returning home to their owners with their fur shaved off.

The first incident that police have been made aware of took place between January 1 and 10 in Tryon Close, Liden. The owner of the cat reported that her pet kept returning home with sections of fur shaved off.

The second incident happened between February 4 and 9, in White Edge Moor. The owner said her cat had been targeted on two separate occasions. On the first occasion, the cat returned home with a shaved back, and the second time, it had a shaved stomach.

And on February 10, between 8am and 5.30pm, a cat in Ferndale Road was targeted. It’s owner returned home to find the cat had been shaved on its back, stomach and legs.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Although some people might view this as a prank, it can clearly cause huge distress to the animal and their owner.

“We would appeal for anyone who may have information on any of these incidents to contact Wiltshire Police immediately on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.”