'Barbaric' - the spate of dead cats being dragged from canal

A number of dead cats have been dragged from the Rochdale Canal in Failsworth recently

Animal lover Maxine Warwick has urged locals in Failsworth to stay vigilant after a spate of deceased cats have been dragged from the Rochdale Canal.

The circumstances remain a mystery to both Maxine and the RSPCA as at least SIX cats have been retrieved from a small stretch of the water - at the side of the Tesco store on Ashton Road West - since January alone.

Maxine, who administers the 'Lost animals Manchester area' dedicated group on Facebook, told the Chronicle: "Since the beginning of January we've retrieved six cats from the canal here - it could be more.

"Olivia McGrady has retrieved at least five from this stretch. Irene Leighton and Olivia dragged another cat out last week, then on bank holiday Monday (May 7) myself and Nicola Brown retrieved another one.

"Cats don't like water, so how are they ending up in this canal? That's the question.

"We need members of the public to be vigilant. If they see any cats in the canal, please can they either phone myself on 07482 318975, and I'll then liaise with the RSPCA, and between us we will do our best to retrieve it.

"We serioulsy think someone is throwing these cats in the canal, and once in, they cannot get out.

"It's just cruelty, pure and simple. It's barbaric - there just isn't enough words for whoever is doing this."

Maxine went on to urge members of the public not to enter the canal to retrieve an animal if they see one.

She added: "I don't want people jumping into the canal. It's very dangerous, it's full of rubbish, and there's an undercurrent."

A number of the retrieved cats have been taken to Regan's Avenue Veterinary Practice on Holinwood Avenue in New Moston, as they can keep them for a month.

Maxine has recommended that owners keep track of their cats by having them chipped, having them neutered so they don't wander too far, checking with vets within a 30-mile radius, and posting their details on the numerous Facebook groups available.