Councillor accused of trying to blow up cat resigns

A parish councillor has resigned after a video was shared which appeared to show a firework explosive device triggered by a cat.

James Garnor, who had a seat on Whittlebury Parish Council in south Northamptonshire, was alleged to have wired up a firework device to a bird table, which was then detonated when it was visited by a cat.

The council said it "took all matters of welfare seriously" and Mr Garnor had resigned on 7 February.

Mr Garnor has not responded to requests for comment from the BBC.

The video, obtained by the radio network, LBC, appears to show a cat standing on a platform within a covered wooden bird table.

There is a sudden orange flash and smoke which surrounds the animal, before it leaps from the table.

It is believed the cat escaped major injury and was left with scorched whiskers.

The cat, called Suki, belonged to caller Nikki, who told LBC that her pet had returned home one day without her whiskers.

Nikki had posted on social media to warn other pet owners and was contacted by someone who alleged that the perpetrator was a neighbour and a local councillor.

The parish council said it was "aware of the recent media coverage regarding an alleged incident involving one of our parish councillors".

A spokesperson added: "The incident in question, which reportedly took place in 2023, was investigated at the time by Northamptonshire Police who decided to not take any further action."

The council added that the incident happened "in a private capacity" and it did not have the authority to remove a councillor from their position.

It confirmed that Mr Garnor had resigned with immediate effect on 7 February.

The council said that it took "all matters of animal welfare seriously" and would "continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct".

Northamptonshire Police said they had received a report of a cat being injured by a firework at a property in Whittlebury High Street in April 2023.

They executed a warrant at a property in Whittlebury in October.

A man attended a voluntary interview about the allegation and a second man was also spoken to.

The force added: "There was insufficient evidence to prove criminal charges in relation to the investigation.

"The matter was dealt with by use of anti-social behaviour legislation in March 2024," it said.

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