**Wave of Cat Disappearances Alarms Welsh Village, Sparks Investigation**
A deep sense of unease has settled over the community of Newtown, Powys, as a cluster of mysterious cat disappearances leaves owners distraught and authorities searching for answers. Over the past year, an estimated ten cats have vanished in the area, with reports increasing significantly in recent months. The troubling trend has struck mainly in the Garth Owen neighbourhood, prompting police and animal welfare groups to urge vigilance among residents.
Local figures in Newtown have begun to identify a recurring pattern in these disappearances. Councillor Kelly Healy, who has an extensive background in animal welfare, described the situation as both unusual and distressing. While some felines simply seemed to vanish without a trace, a handful were later discovered miles from home—in disparate locations ranging from Shropshire to Aberystwyth—raising fresh questions about the possible reasons behind their journeys or removal.
Dyfed-Powys Police have responded to the mounting concerns, confirming that active enquiries are under way in an effort to determine whether criminal activity is tied to the string of incidents. Authorities stress that they are taking the reports seriously and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
For many local families, the emotional toll has been considerable. One poignant example is that of thirteen-year-old Sammy Beckerleg and his beloved cat, Ringo. Sammy described the heartache he felt when Ringo failed to return home as usual after a routine outing, recalling the immediate anxiety and the long weeks of uncertainty that followed. The family’s ordeal ended unexpectedly just before Christmas when news arrived that a cat rescue in Shrewsbury had found Ringo—more than six weeks after he first disappeared.
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard Ringo had been found alive,” shared Sammy. “I missed everything about him—his meows, his presence. Getting him back was the best present I could’ve wished for.” Despite spending several weeks away, Ringo’s temperament quickly bounced back, though the family remarked on how desperately he seemed to seek out his familiar surroundings on reunification.
Sammy’s father, Craig Beckerleg, believes that the serial losses can’t easily be written off as coincidence. The family possessed CCTV footage documenting Ringo’s last sighting at home, and after his lengthy absence, they now suspect there may be a deliberate element behind the disappearances. “It’s difficult to believe this is just bad luck,” Craig commented. “We’re just hoping that raising awareness will help prevent more families from going through this.”
Councillor Healy, herself a former operator of a cat rescue centre for seven years, said the sequence of missing pets is unprecedented in her experience. She recounted hearing from multiple households suffering repeat losses—one resident reportedly lost three cats in a single year. “It’s heartbreaking,” she commented. “Nothing in my years of working with animals compares to this.”
Practical advice has been put forward by concerned local leaders and welfare groups alike. Owners are being strongly encouraged to microchip their pets, ensure neutering, and take every precaution to prevent unnecessary roaming. Councillor Healy especially highlighted the importance of reporting missing animals promptly, both to her and to relevant authorities.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police reiterated, “We have received two formal reports expressing concern regarding missing cats in Newtown’s Garth Owen area. Our investigations are ongoing to establish whether there has been any criminal wrongdoing.” Police have asked residents to remain cautious and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
With animal welfare at the core of village life, the recent events in Newtown have brought neighbours together in concern. There is hope that renewed vigilance and community spirit might protect their pets from further harm as the investigation continues. For now, families like the Beckerlegs and many others are holding their animals a little closer, hoping for answers—and for the safe return of those still missing.