Prompted by the sad discovery of a dead black and white cat on Owen Road, Skerton this morning, we’re publishing some useful advice on what to do if you find a domestic animal (living or passed) that might be useful.

In the event of finding a dead animal, Lancaster City Council says it should be left in situ, as they will collect it (Customer Services: 01524 582000). They will not collect a dead animal from a residence.

However, we have been advised that although the Council do log reports of dead animals, should anyone phone them, they do not however scan dead domestic animals for microchips.

If your pet has gone missing, here are some the first local organisations or vets to call or email to see if they have information or if the animal has been handed in to them:

Animal Care
Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth, Lancaster, LA2 0RD
Tel: 01524 65495 Email: adminATanimalcare-lancaster.co.uk
Web: www.animalcare-lancaster.co.uk

Wolfwood
Tel: 07931220094 Email: wildlife@wolfwood.co.uk
Web: www.wolfwood.co.uk

Cats Protection
PO Box 179, Morecambe, Lancs, LA3 1WL
Tel: 01524 850112 Email: lancandmorecambecp@hotmail.com
Web: www.lancaster.cats.org.uk/lancaster

It’s also a good idea to advise the three main local vets of your find:

Bay Vets
Baldrand House, Bowerham Road, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3AJ
Tel: 01524 32696 Email: info@bayvets.co.uk
Web: www.bayvets.co.uk/surgeries/lancaster.aspx

Burch Tree Vets
43 Gladstone Terrace, Lancaster
Tel: 01524 720002 Email: btvets@gmail.com
Web: www.freewebs.com/longleyandburch

Dimples
Units 4 – 5 Lake Enterprise Court, Ladies Walk, Caton Road, Lancaster LA1 3NX
Tel: 01524 67777
Web: http://lancaster.lanesvets.com

There are also two Facebook groups you might want to try posting information about missing felines to: Pets Lost and Found in Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/227442313935932.

There’s also the cats-only Cats North West at https://www.facebook.com/groups/266634383437571/