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

The first incident police have been made aware of took place between January 1 and 10 in Tryon Close, Liden. The cat’s owner reported that her pet kept returning 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 occasions. On the first occasion, the cat had a shaved back and the second 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’s back, stomach and legs had been shaved.

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

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