A FERAL cat found with serious injuries in Ellesmere did not belong to a nearby farm and was treated by them, the RSPCA has said as it aims to end 'misinformation' about the incident.

Last week, the service reported that a cat with significant injuries had been put to sleep by a local vet.

However, social media users incorrectly claimed that the cat was not feral and belonged to the farm owners.

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This, the RSPCA has said, has led to abuse directed at the owners of the farm and the charity has moved to say that they did all they can to help the cat.

The charity also reiterated the support it received from the family when it visited the cat.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “We have been made aware of mis-information circulating on social media in regards to an injured cat living on land near Ellesmere. 

“The RSPCA would like to make it clear this cat was living as a feral in this area and was not owned. 

“One of our officers attended the farm where this feral cat was sighted with an obvious injury and the farm owner was kind enough to assist in trapping the cat with a trap supplied by another charity so it could be taken for urgent veterinary care.

“The farm owner did this through concerns for the cat’s welfare. 

“Sadly the vet decided the cat was so poorly it needed to be put to sleep to end its suffering.

“Since then the farm owner has told us she and her family have been subjected to various accusations on social media with her address being circulated.

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“She has now informed us that due to this she has contacted the police and she feels she has no option other than to seek legal advice.

“The RSPCA would like to add that when we visited the farm – the owner kindly showed us around the animals living there including cows and a family dog as well as some other feral cats in the area – and we have no welfare concerns in regards to these animals.” 

Anyone wishing to report animals in distress or in need of help can report it to the RSPCA at https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty