THEFTS OF CATS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 209, 4 September 1934, Page 8

THEFTS OF CATS

CULPRITS IN MELBOURNE. STOLEN FOR THE SKINS. Many thefts of household cats havf been reported recently to the polricf and to the Animal Welfare League in Melbourne. It is believed that the animals have been stolen for their skins. Tn several instances owners of cats have actually seen their pete snatched up ami placed in bags, but the culprits have always managed to escape. The secretary of the Animal Welfare League, Mr. Wilfred Ryan, said recently that for some time tho league had been trying to prevent the traffic in catskins. Firms dealing in skins had been asked not to accept catskine for sale, but the league had been informed that it would be almost impossible to stop the trade. Several of the linns had stated that the only catskrina received were of cats accidentally caught in traps in the country. “It is obvious that, cats are still being taken from suburban home-s,’ r Mr. Ryan continued. “We are constantly receiving reporte that cats arft missing, and there is little doubt that most of them fall into dealers’ hands. Cats which are kept as pets in good homes are most in demand, as through, proper feeding and attention they have the best skins.” Mr. Ryan added that the Animal Welfare League would take steps to deal with any person found in unlawful possession of cats. Most cats were tho property of householders, and persons who took them were guilty of theft. It was hoped that legislation would be introduced which would make the sale of catskins* illegal.