Tuesday’s page one story on the anonymous Strathdale resident trapping and killing cats generated quite a reaction in the community.

The subject was a common talking point yesterday and more than 50 people commented on the story on our website which is a big response.

It appears opinions are well divided on the subject with some people disgusted at the trapper’s actions and others blaming cat owners for allowing their animals to roam.

In the note ‘cat deaths’ left on a board in the Strath Village Shopping Centre, the trapper made some correct points.

He or she loves the birds and other wildlife in the garden and there’s no doubt wandering cats prey on these.

The trapper also wrote that responsible cat owners had nothing to fear as their animals would not be the ones trapped.

Two fair and reasonable points that no one can argue with.

But it’s the last paragraph where the real character of the cat trapper shines and reasonable argument is replaced by spite.

“PS – 3 feral cats (if they are in my yard they are feral) so far, two with collars. I’m thinking of tanning the skins,’’ the trapper wrote.

That is nothing but a taunt designed to upset others.

The reality is the trapper is breaking the law and if caught, those three cats he or she boasts about could well end up costing more than $1000 in fines.

The correct procedure is to call the council ranger and surrender the cats.

If microchipped, the cat owner will pay a hefty price for its return... a valuable lesson in itself.

If the cat isn’t claimed, it will be euthanised by a registered vet.

Either way the trapper solves his or her problem lawfully and the community can’t argue with that