An animal protection group has issued a warning to cat owners after a gang of youths was reported to have snatched pets in Lowestoft.

Cats Protection Anglia Coastal (CPAC) said it has been made aware of a "number of youths" who are reportedly catching and transporting cats from around the Beaconsfield Road area of Lowestoft to the other side of the town - leaving them up to three miles away from their homes.

The charity said: "This has recently happened to a cat which was very hungry and extremely lucky to be found by its owner on the opposite side of the Gull Wing bridge from their home.

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"There have been other reports of cats going missing from the same area and we suspect the same situation may have happened to them.

"This is extremely distressing for both the cats, who have been displaced, and their owners."

Lowestoft Journal: Cats are being caught and dumped miles away from their homes Cats are being caught and dumped miles away from their homes (Image: Newsquest)

Cats Protection Anglia Coastal provides care and welfare for animals in Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Lowestoft, Beccles, Bungay and surrounding areas, which may also be targeted. 

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In the event someone finds a cat which is showing signs of distress and seems unfamiliar with the area, CPAC recommends they take it to a local vet and request that they be scanned for a microchip in the hope that it can be reunited with its owner.

A lost pet can also be reported online at lostandfound@angliacoastal.cats.org.uk.

New legislation introduced earlier this year has made it mandatory for all cat owners to microchip their pets. 

As of June 10, pets found to be without a chip will be given 21 days to have one implanted, which can later incur a fine of up to £500 for failing to do so.