Residents of Wallacetown, Southland, are increasingly concerned about the safety of their pets, as a growing number of cats have either gone missing or returned home with serious injuries.
Mel, a local resident who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, revealed that around ten cats in the area, near Invercargill, have recently disappeared without a trace. Among them was her 20-month-old cat, Pippa, who vanished on July 15.
“Pippa was a lively and social cat, a Balinese-Japanese cross, well-known in the neighborhood for greeting everyone,” Mel recounted. “We searched everywhere—door to door, the cemetery, around the area—for weeks, but no one had seen or heard anything.”
Just days later, two other young cats from nearby homes also went missing. Despite their efforts—posting photos on social media and canvassing the area—Mel and her neighbors found no leads.
“Three cats missing in two weeks, from two different households, with no signs of them. Something is definitely going on,” Mel stated.
The unsettling pattern prompted residents to report the incidents to both the police and the SPCA. As more stories emerged, it became clear that some cats had returned home with severe injuries, including what appeared to be low-power gunshot wounds.
Mel expressed frustration over the situation. “If someone’s pets are bothering you, the right thing to do is talk to your neighbors. We never had that chance. If I knew Pippa was a problem, I would have taken steps to keep her inside,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking because we’ve heard such nice stories about her. This whole situation is incredibly frustrating.”
She urged her neighbors to remain vigilant and keep an eye on their pets, though she admitted that the ordeal has made her hesitant to get another cat. “I don’t know if I can go through this again. If I do, the cat would have to be kept inside. We’re supposed to be living safely together in this community, and it’s sad that this is happening.”
The local animal welfare organization, Otatara – Animals Matter and Furever Homes, acknowledged the issue on social media, urging residents to report any suspicious activity or information to the SPCA or the New Zealand Police. The post received nearly 100 comments from concerned community members.
A police spokeswoman confirmed they had received a report about a missing cat recently, as well as an older case. She assured that any reports would be thoroughly investigated, and all available evidence would be assessed.
“The Wallacetown matter has been investigated, and those who reported the incidents have been spoken to by police. Unfortunately, there is currently no evidence to support further investigation,” she said. “We encourage residents to continue reporting any concerns to both the police and SPCA.”
As the mystery of the missing and injured cats in Wallacetown deepens, residents remain on high alert, hoping for answers and a resolution to the troubling situation.
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