Cat owners around Stawell have been left in the dark with a number of residents reporting their pets missing in the area during the winter months.
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Stawell resident Eleisha Clementson and her family have been searching for their beloved cat, Yowi, since he vanished in July.
Mrs Clementson said on a cold and wintery night in Stawell, Yowi, went outside to go to the toilet after eating his tea on a Sunday night, but never returned.
"There has been no sign of him anywhere," she said.
"It is out of his character not to come home.
"Sometimes he will be gone for half an hour or so and he will go either side of our property for a wander.
"But it was rainy and cold that night and so usually he is inside when it is like that.
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"He was allowed to head outside during the day and then he would come back inside and sleep in front of the fire or on one of the beds somewhere.
"It was unusual for him not to come home."
Mrs Clementson said Yowi was microchipped and neutered, with the family doing all they can to try and find him.
"It has been very lonely not to have him around," she said.
"The kids miss him heaps and it is just the unknown of not knowing where he actually is quite devastating really.
"We honestly don't know (what has happened). If it was summer you might think he could've been bitten by a snake, but it was the middle of winter.
"It would just be nice to know what has happened to him.
"We have put a post of Facebook and shared it across a number of pages, we have searched around the neighborhood and we have contacted council and rangers."
With a number of instances of missing cats in Stawell, Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr Murray Emerson said the Council does not deal with stolen animals and will refer people to the police.
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"Council does not monitor theft of animals. Our responsibility with regards to domestic animals is aligned with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and our domestic animal management plan which is primarily centred on responsible pet ownership, community safety and working with stakeholder groups such as animal rescue organisations and vets to assist with rehoming of animals reported as lost or found," he said.
"Animal Services is a very important arm in the services provided by council. If your pet goes missing your first port of call would naturally be to contact Northern Grampians Shire Council's customer service on 03 5358 8700.
"Ask to be put through to the pound attendant to notify them that your pet is missing and visit our website to see if your animal is listed on the animal shelter page.
"Remember that your animal has a much better chance of being found if it is microchipped and registered with Council.
"With regards to stolen cats or animals in general, theft of any nature is a matter for Victoria Police and if a resident suspects that their pet has been stolen, we would encourage them to speak to the police in the first instance."
