THE OWNER of a cat found decapitated in Cinderford says she has had to tell her daughter and partner’s children that the much-loved pet has run away.

Shabbs, a six-month-old kitten, was found dumped on a communal lawn in Rowandean in the town.

Two cats were found dead in High Street on Friday morning, with one having circular marks indicating it had been shot and the other having a leg missing.

Shabb’s owner spoke to the Review as police revealed that an horrific catalogue of fatal attacks on pets may be part of a sick ‘test’ for a gang of local teenagers.

She wishes to remain anonymous as she fears her other cat may be targeted, but she told the Review: “We bought him as a Christmas present for my daughter and my partner’s two little girls. We have had to tell them he has run away because it is too heartbreaking to tell them what has happened.”

It is believed its head was cut off with a sharp knife before its body was taken to the garden and dumped on the lawn some time overnight. Its head has not been discovered.

The 24-year-old added: “He was taken from the area where I live and killed and then brought back. I know this as there was no blood at the scene. I have another cat, and he is now too scared to leave the house – they were thick as thieves. I just don’t want anything to happen to my other cat.

“We are very thankful to the staff at Pets Barn. They sent us a card afterwards to say how sorry they were for our loss. We have since buried Shabbs in our garden. We shall miss him so much.”

The first sickening attack on a cat in the town happened on February 19 when a cat was shot in the Hilldene area.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: “The latest incidents could be linked to other discoveries of dead cats in the Forest of Dean recently.

“We’ve received information this may be part of an initiation test for a local gang of teenagers and we’re making inquiries into that now.

“In the meantime, anyone who knows something is urged to call us now on 101. The most recent incidents are 44 and 75 of March 11.

“We understand these incidents are deeply disturbing, and we are asking the community for any information they can give us.

“Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.”