Mystery after 52 cats go missing in Austrian town

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

Scores of cats have gone missing in a town in Austria while others have returned home with unexplained injuries.

Authorities in the southern town of Frauenkirchen said they were investigating the suspected cat-nappings of 52 animals.

Residents are concerned some of the animals could be being tortured, and there are fears the missing cats have been killed.

Vets said the injured animals had suffered broken limbs that were "were from a blow, rather than from fighting or a car," The Local reported.

Others had injuries consistent with traps and another was found covered in cuts.

Otto Bierbaum, head of animal rescue in the Burgenland district, told local media: “I was first called by Frauenkirchen residents registering their missing pets at the beginning of the year. In the past months the messages have piled up.”

“It’s mad that one individual can intimidate an entire village. The alleged perpetrator should be known and be sentenced before for aggravated assault.”

After posting to social media about the issue, he received further messages about other missing cats.

Burgenländische Animal Rescue has informed the police and an investigation was ongoing.