Tensions are running high in three Christchurch suburbs as residents accuse a local woman of harming their feline companions.

An eyewitness video purportedly shows the woman actively luring and feeding the cats.

Residents in Papanui, Bishopdale, and Bryndwr claim the same cats have suffered severe illnesses soon after.

A Bishopdale resident said “despite our efforts to alert the police and the SPCA the woman [dubbed ‘the Harmful Local Cat Feeder’] continues her reprehensible actions unchecked.

“Not only has she trespassed into private properties without facing any consequences, but she’s tearing at the fabric of our trust in the legal system. Our cats are dying, and it feels like no one’s doing anything.”

The community’s resentment reached boiling point recently when a confrontation occurred and police were called. However, details those cannot be disclosed because the matter is before the courts.

Papanui resident Bevan said the woman has been coming onto his property for the past three years.

“She comes to the house before 5AM, occasionally later, but usually before then. She has a bit of a routine.

Bevan believed that the SPCA had spoken to the woman following persistent complaints from residents.

“She has modified her behaviour and I suspect she has mental health issues, but it’s got to the point where something needs to be done to help her and save the cats.

“She’s attacked residents after being confronted and leaves food on ivy leaves which are poisonous to cats.”

Bevan said the woman carries a backpack, and then takes cat food out, and puts it onto a container lid before placing it in very specific spots.

“It will sometimes be under flowers or a bush or something, but it’s very intentional” he said.

Bevan believes the woman visits a substantial area of Christchurch.

“Our cats were very ill and we couldn’t understand why. But then as soon as we realised they were being fed more, it made sense.

For all I know she could have good intentions, and could be a bird lover and sees cats as the enemy.”

Bevan said he’s tried talking to the woman. “She comes across rational, calm, but belligerent and unforgiving.

She’s also fairly manipulative, and has been caught lying, saying she’s had permission to be on my property.

There’s already on online petition appealing for urgent intervention.

Author Kayla Sloan, urged, “for the sake of all our Papanui residents and our cats, we implore authorities to probe deeper. Our pets are being fed unknown substances, going missing, and even being poisoned. We remain hopeful that our collective plea will drive the SPCA, the police, and the Papanui MP to treat this issue with the gravity it demands.”

The palpable anger and fear are echoed by many online.

A social media user weighed in, “enough is enough. The safety of our cats is compromised, and this individual is continually clashing with pet owners. Regardless of her intentions, she needs to be stopped.

It’s high time she’s held accountable for her perilous and deeply anti-social actions. Cat owners should not be burdened with sick pets and mounting vet bills due to her recklessness.”

SPCA Inspectorate Team Lead, Jamie Hancock told Chris Lynch Media “we are still making enquiries and are working with other agencies regarding this matter.

While this is occurring we cannot comment further.”