Through this letter we would like, first of all, to thank this newspaper for publishing our plea for information about our missing cats.

We would also like to thank the many people who offered support and help with messages and phone calls. Unfortunately, this story does not have a happy ending. Not only did we not find our cats, but we have been given information that makes horrible reading.

We have been told that in the early hours of the day the cats went missing, a white van with about five oriental persons on board was seen a few metres from the home of the cats. These people went about offering food to the cats, till the creatures were close enough to be grabbed and put in the van. Readers can arrive at their own conclusions as to the fate of our poor cats.

The problem is that since the van was parked at the end of the street, where there is hardly any light, our informer was unable to get the registration number. We know it was white and high-built at the back. We are trying hard to get more information from another source.

The aim of this letter, therefore, is to make all cat owners be extra careful, especially the feeders of cat colonies, and to make sure that they note and report anything unusual in their areas.

We have made a report at the Qawra police station. They were very helpful but told us they can only proceed if we can have more details.

Therefore, if anyone sees this van and these persons again, they must immediately take the necessary steps to make sure these heartless people get what they deserve and not get away with such despicable cruelty.