A family whose two pet cats were among four found dead in Co Antrim have voiced conerns over pets being targeted.
The cats were found on Saturday in the Ballee Drive area of Ballymena, with two being found inside tied plastic bags.
The discovery follows concerns over pet cats going missing in the Ballee-Lettercreeve area of the town in recent weeks.
The issue had previously been raised with the PSNI’s local neighbourhood policing team, but “no offences” were detected after two reports were made by concerned owners.
The Irish News understands five separate reports have now been made to police by owners of missing cats in the area.
Last month the volunteer organisation Lost Paws NI also posted a social media alert about eight pet cats from the area going missing.
Two belonged to a local woman, whose family was “devastated” to learn they were among the four found dead in the same spot last weekend.

Lanny and Teddy, who were both beloved family pets of many years, belonged to Frances Kearney. Both went missing towards the end of May.

Police have said they are aware of the reports that the animals were discovered dead last weekend, but it is understood no official investigation is underway.
The bodies of the animals were removed on Sunday by Mid and East Antrim District Council staff.
Speaking to the Irish News, Frances’ daughter Francesca said: “Lenny and Teddy would never have been gone longer than a few hours at a time when they went out, but at the end of May they both disappeared.
“There are fears that someone is targeting pet cats here – how else would two have been found dead tied in a shopping bag, alongside two others in the same spot?
“We are all devastated at losing Lenny and Teddy like this – my mother is in bits. They were so loved. No animal deserves to die like this.”
Francesca said police were contacted about the gruesome discovery, but no officers visited the scene.
“When I spoke with them, they indicated they required more evidence before they could do anything – surely four dead pets found in one spot is evidence of something not right?
“If it was four pet dogs found, I’m sure more would be done.”
Independent Ballymena councillor Rodney Quigley contacted council staff who removed the bodies.
“Residents have been very concerned about this situation for some time now before this horrific discovery, and I know the owners of the pets found at the weekend are both shocked and heartbroken,” he said.
“Pets aren’t just animals, they are members of the family, and this isn’t something that can just be ignored. I would like to see the relevant authorities do everything that can be done on this matter.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are aware of reports of dead cats being located in the Ballee area of Ballymena on Saturday 7th June. The remains of the animals were taken by the council for examination.”
A Mid and East Antrim Borough Council spokesperson said: “Animal Welfare has received a complaint regarding several missing cats.
“An investigation is being undertaken by Animal Welfare Officers following the discovery of several dead cats in the Ballee Drive area.”