RSPCA inspectors are investigating the death of a beloved family pet.

Diane Edgar and her family have been devastated by the loss of their cat, Chase.

They returned from a holiday during the October half-term to find that their pet was missing. It was later found dead.

Diane, of Aspatria, has heard other reports of cats missing and is concerned.

The 39-year-old support worker said: “Cats have gone missing from the area before but they’re free to roam and Chase had always come back.

“People kept telling me about them going missing and not being found.

“When I was told a cat had been found near the allotments I was heartbroken.

“Chase wasn’t just a cat, she was part of the family.”

The family had just got another kitten to add to the family and now they’re terrified to let Hunter out of their sights.

Diane added: “I don’t know how people can not report it if a cat has been killed.

“I know legally you don’t have to but it’s someone’s pet they’re part of someone’s family.

“The law needs to change.

“I was lucky the police took me seriously. I felt like the crazy cat lady but to know Chase could have been killed and never found breaks my heart.

“I want people to know how important it is to report their animals missing.”

Another family are also worried about their cat, Pablo, which has been missing for a number of weeks.

Its owner, Devonne Irwin, said: “From my understanding, there are also other cats in the Aspatria area missing. I am worried about other people’s cats.”

As a result of Diane calling the police a man was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.

The 76-year-old was arrested on November 6.

After being questioned by officers, he was later released under investigation.

A spokesman from Cumbria Police confirmed in a statement: “We received a report from the owner of the cat, expressing concern that the cause of death may have been from poisoning.

“This is yet to be confirmed.”

Cumbria police last week handed the case over to the RSPCA, which is now investigating.

A spokesman for the animal welfare charity said: “We are looking into the death of a cat in Aspatria, Cumbria.

“As our enquiries are on-going, no further information is available at this time.”