A GUNNISLAKE family believe an animal thief may be at work following the disappearance of their second Bengal cat in ten months.

Gary and Karen Mann and their two children are desperate to find their four-year-old rescue pet who went missing on August 22.

Mr Mann said Bengal cats with their leopard print markings could fetch up to £500 each: ?Ten months ago our younger Bengal cat disappeared but that one had a bent tail and we think whoever took it may have got the wrong one,? he said.

?Everybody who lives around here knows our cat and if he had been hit by a car someone would have seen a body.?

He said his pet was in immaculate condition but it could not be sold on without documentation because it was identi-chipped.

?The police, cats protection league and vets have all been informed and we have put posters up everywhere but we have heard nothing,? added Mr Mann.

Anyone who may have seen the cat should call Mr Mann on 07969 179591.