CAT TRAP CONCERN

Residents said they have spotted teenage youths walking through the estate with the large home-made traps and 'vicious' dogs.

It's been claimed the traps are being left in alleyways at night and then collected the following morning.

Residents believe youths are using the traps to catch cats and then taking them into the fields to be mauled to death by the dogs. Others have claimed they are catching cats for older men involved in the sick practice.

The 'MAIL' talked with several residents in the area who said they were appalled that live animals were being trapped and taken to a "cruel and evil" death.

One resident found one of the gruesome contraptions and destroyed it after reporting the matter to the police.

The 'MAIL' was shown the remains of the trap after the resident had destroyed it.

"It was smeared with tuna," said the resident, "there were scratches on the inside from cats that had been trapped, it even smelt of cats.

"The trap was well built, I couldn't believe the size of it and it was very sensitive - there was no getting out of it."

The resident continued: "There has always been a lot of wild cats in the area, but I have noticed there are not as many as there used to be.

"And many people have cats, because they are good at keeping the rats away.

"I have a cat and I try to keep it in at nights, but they just want out.

"It's absolutely disgusting what's going on, I can't believe anyone could be so evil."

Another resident said youths in the area cast an imposing shadow over the Shankill and Wakehurst estates.

"Young fellas go about with these dogs and intimidate people and they are vicious.

"I don't care what anybody says, they should not be allowed to have them," said the resident.

"Even if the dogs are legally allowed they are never muzzled and they should be at the very least.

"I saw a group of them head off with a large box and their dogs were going mad. It was only when I heard about the trap being found that I realised what they were doing.

"There are lots of cats that have gone missing - It is so cruel and sickening."