A cat which went missing for seven days after a fatal house explosion in Swansea has been found. Teddy, who is owned by the Bennett family, had been missing since the blast in Clydach Road in Morriston on March 13.
Claire Bennett and her son Ethan were rescued from the wreckage of their house together with their puppy and cat Fern. But Teddy, who had been sitting next to Mrs Bennett at the time of the explosion, could not be found leading to concern that he may not have survived the blast. The explosion claimed the life of Brian Davies, 68, while Claire and son Ethan had a remarkable escape.
South Wales Police officers, Swansea Cats Protection, and Llys Nini RSPCA representatives worked tirelessly to try and find the Bennetts' lost pet and on Sunday they were able to pick him up. He was in a dusty condition but unharmed.
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A statement from Llys Nini RSPCA on Sunday read: "We have him – Teddy has been caught. After the appalling fatal gas explosion last Monday, Claire and her son Ethan were pulled out of the wreckage of their house. The rescuers also saved the puppy who was in its crate in the living room. Later that day Claire's female rag doll cat, Fern, was found and taken to a vet by an RSPCA inspector. Luckily Fern was okay and brought to Llys Nini for emergency boarding where she was re-united with Ethan.
"Claire suffered some serious injuries and was in hospital all week, only being released today. Meanwhile Teddy, her male ragdoll, who had been sitting next to her at the time of the explosion, was missing. There was a concern that he may not have survived the blast but he was spotted on Tuesday night by Ann from Swansea Cats Protection, Sally from Llys Nini, and a couple of officers from South Wales Police.
"Since then both charities have been working tirelessly to try to catch Teddy to reunite him. Due to the restrictions of access due to the dangerous condition of the surrounding houses this has proved very difficult. Claire was released from hospital on Sunday and went straight to the remains of the house to see if Teddy would respond to her whistle. However on arrival she was greeted with the news that Teddy had, just at that moment, been trapped. He was dusty, a little cross, but otherwise seems unharmed (he will be checked over by a vet). Needless to say there were tears all round – Claire, his owner, Emily who has been liaising with the rescuers, the rescuers and the South Wales Police CSO.
"This rescue was undertaken by RSPCA Llys Nini and Swansea Cats Protection with on-the-ground support and help from British Gas engineers, Swansea Council workers, and South Wales Police. Llys Nini is also providing a safe haven to other displaced pets after this awful explosion."
A post on Twitter from South Wales Police read: "After such sad events that has taken place on Clydach Road Morriston this week, some great news that Teddy the cat has been found safe and well by PCSOs Reed & Howells. Also Sally Hyman, RSPCA Lly Nini. Teddy has spent the past seven days inside the damaged building."
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