CAT owners have been urged to keep their pets indoors after attacks with air rifles and dogs.
Freshfields animal rescue centre founder Leslie Tarleton is concerned by the spate of incidents on the Maesincla housing estate, Caernarfon, as are residents who recently held a meeting to discuss the problem.
Reports of animal cruelty in the area are on the rise, with an 11-year-old girl’s cat was found shot dead while another cat was killed by two lurcher dogs.
Leslie said: “One of the families from the estate who lost a cat has since been here to get another but this time they tell me they are so frightened of it happening again that they will keep it as a house cat.“
It’s a big worry - I would advise people with cats in that area to keep them indoors until the lads are caught.”
She added: “Unfortunately in every area of the UK there are youngsters - and not always youngsters - who get their kicks out of torturing people and animals who are vulnerable.
“It’s a form of bullying as they enjoy having power over something that is weaker than themselves and kids that do this, in my opinion, are not going to grow into responsible, caring adults.
”Helen Coen of the RSPCA echoed Leslie’s sentiments.
She said: “This is very disturbing and I would encourage cat owners to keep a close eye on their animals.
”Concerned estate residents met with police to discuss the situation, and officers have urged any Maesincla residents with information to come forward.
PCSO Annette Jones said: “We take these reports very seriously and we will be checking CCTV footage to see if we can identify the offenders."
One resident who did not wish to be named said: “There have been several incidences on the estate of cats being hunted with dogs late at night.
“The police are aware and we know who they are. “I would urge these people to think about what they are doing and please stop it."
Anyone with information should call North Wales Police on 101 or 0845 6071001 (Welsh) 0845 6071002 (English) alternatively text 66767 or Crimestoppers Wales/Cymru on 0800555111