Posters showed Clifton missing cat trapped in cage

Murray is a rescue cat from the RSPCA who has been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, his owner says

A man whose pet cat went missing was angered to find it pictured in a cage and displayed on posters near his home.

Posters which described the cat, Murray, as "aggressive" and urged its owner to have him neutered were spotted in Clifton village, Bristol.

Murray's owner said he was a rescue cat from the RSPCA and was already neutered. Murray later returned home but was said to be "timid".

The RSPCA said it took "threats aimed at animals very seriously".

Posters showing Murray in a cage were put up in the York Place area of Clifton

The owner said he was shocked as the cat looked "terrified". After returning home Murray was "off his food".

The posters, put up in the York Place area of Clifton, stated: "If this is your cat please do the right thing and have him neutered...

"No harm has come to this cat; however the cat trap will continue to be set to try to deter him."

An RSPCA spokesperson said if anyone caused "unnecessary suffering to someone's pet, they can face a fine of up to £20,000 or up to six months in prison".