Shocked cat owner slams ‘selfish’ thieves as cases of pet thefts continue to rise
Friday mornings usually bring about the thought that the weekend is at a touching distance, but for a family in Farnborough it revealed a sickening reality.
When Liam Kennedy came downstairs on the morning of May 7th, he was greeted by silence as his family’s beloved cat Smudges was not in his usual spot.
This came at a time when pet thefts have rapidly increased due to lockdown. The charity DogLost, in March recorded a 170% increase in dog thefts since 2019.
Obviously concerned that Smudges may be more than missing, Liam decided to put a post in his local Facebook group after he realised it had been two days since he last saw him.
He said: “I was quite shocked at first. When I saw his food hadn’t been touched and his water was still full, then I realised it had actually been two days and he still hadn’t been back.”
Like pedigree dogs, valuable breeds of cats and kittens can be sold for thousands of pounds.
Liam described those who steal pets as “selfish” and said they “don’t understand the damage they’re doing to a family”.
Covid-19 has also seen us spend more time at home, making pets a vital part of our sanity and happiness during a difficult time.
He went on to say: “It’s really upsetting because you’ve been with them more often and become more attached and used to having them around.
“But it was nice to see that so many people were concerned and would be willing to help a stranger.”
Anyone with information has been asked to contact 07982 855575.
