Animal protection campaigners are increasingly concerned that the prolific ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ is on the prowl again after more grisly incidents.
The so-called ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ is alleged to have killed, dismembered and mutilated 400 cats and other animals across England since 2014.
Police carried out a three-year investigation into the cat killings but concluded it in 2018 saying they were ‘probably killed by foxes’.
However many owners and many animal protection campaigners believe the ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ is still at large.
In a recent incident in Christchurch, Dorset, in November, Emma Blehs cat Alley went missing and was found decapitated afterwards.
She believed it was the work of the ‘Croydon Cat Killer.’
The 40-year-old told the Metro in November: ‘I have contacted the police, RSPCA and SNARL, who are investigating the cat killer.
‘They say that the fact Alley was missing her head and tail is the killer’s signature as he keeps trophies.’
She said the ‘monster’ needs to be stopped from carrying out anymore attacks.
Another brutal attack happened in Christchurch, Dorset, in November, after Emma Blehs cat Alley (pictured) went missing and was found decapitated afterwards
Killings began in Croydon in 2014 and spread across London and the rest of the UK (pictured). A 31-year-old man was arrested in January 2018 in connection with the killings but was later released
Another cat went missing from its home in West Hill, Croydon, on October 8 and its body was found outside the family house on Sunday October 10.
After a vet concluded that was deliberately killed, the shocking discovery was reported to police, according to Inside Croydon.
Its distraught owner, Jodie Albutt, posted on social media at the time: ‘It was only sheer luck that our children did not find him.’
In another recent incident, a family’s pet cat went missing from its home in West Hill, Croydon, on October 8 and its body was found outside the house on Sunday October 10
The attack has been described as ‘truly awful’ by animal protection campaigners.
They believe that the killing has many tell-tale signs that it was carried out by the ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ and have warned pet owners to be vigilant and cautious.
And another cat was found headless and butchered in a Crawley street recently.
Investigators believe the September 2 discovery could also have been the work of the ‘Croydon Cat Killer’.
A 2018 map marked out the places the ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ was said to have dismembered, mutilated and killed cats
And it isn’t the only recent attack, with another cat found headless and butchered in a Crawley street. Investigators believe the September 2 discovery could also have been the work of the ‘Croydon Cat Killer’
Boudicca Rising (pictured right) in 2018 with ex-partner Tony Jenkins whom she founded South Norwood Animal Rescue (SNARL) with. She now heads up SLAIN (South London Animal Investigation) and said while animal killings have decreased because of patrolling public areas at night she fears the ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ is on the prowl again
Boudicca Rising, from SLAIN, the South London Animal Investigation Network, said: ‘We would ask that if anyone finds a mutilated animal that they contact us on 07957 830490 or via our Facebook page. We can then direct them to the nearest vet or arrange attendance to do so ourselves.’
She said that patrolling public areas at night has cut down incidents in certain areas and there have been none for more than two years in two areas.
Despite this, there have been more than 400 reports of dismembered, decapitated and killed cats and other animals.
Killings began in Croydon in 2014 and spread across London and the rest of the UK.
A 31-year-old man was arrested in January 2018 in connection with the killings but was later released.
Police closed their ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ case in 2018, saying that it was ‘probably foxes’ carrying out the killings.
Police closed their ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ case in 2018, saying that it was ‘probably foxes’ carrying out the killings. Owners reacted with fury, including Samantha Glass and her daughter Tabitha Brown (pictured), who found their cat Harley dead at their family home
Owners reacted with fury, including Samantha Glass and her daughter Tabitha Brown, who found their cat Harley dead at their family home.
Ms Glass said at the time: ‘Words fail me – this is a massive fail on all accounts,’ she said. ‘We need victims to get together to march against the police.
‘What else can we do? There is countless evidence from the Met saying cats have been mutilated by a clean slice.
‘There have been decapitated heads lying across London; what happens when the killer drops back the tail to the doorstep?’
She started a social media campaign in protest, with many others coming forward saying their own cats or animals had also been killed, mutilated or dismembered.
The ‘Jack the Ripper’ for cats had 15 officers on their trail at one point.
Ukiyo who was found dismembered near her owner’s home in the Croydon area of London
Investigations started in November 2015 because of reports of numerous mutilated cats, often with their heads and tails removed.
Three CCTV recordings of foxes with the body parts of cats in their mouths were found.
Officers worked with the RSPCA and local charity South Norwood Animal Rescue League (SNARL).
It was later revealed that officers spent £140,000 on the investigation, including £8,000 on specialist post-mortems to conclude the killings were the work of foxes.
But owners and SNARL refused to accept their explanation and previously vowed to find the culprit themselves.
And in 2019, Sussex residents feared a ‘Brighton Cat Killer’ was at large after 25 cats were stabbed to death in 18 months. They found Steve Bouquet (pictured) was the culprit and killed 16 cats in Brighton- he was jailed for five years
After a petition was launched to reopen the case, SNARL carried on the investigation.
And in 2019, Sussex residents feared a ‘Brighton Cat Killer’ was at large after 25 cats were stabbed to death in 18 months.
Police launched a separate investigation called ‘Operation Diverge’ to uncover who was behind the spate of killings.
They found Steve Bouquet was the culprit and killed 16 cats in Brighton- he was jailed for five years.
For now, the identity of the alleged ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ remains unknown but animal protection campaigners fear they will continue to strike.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10093403/Croydon-Cat-Killer-fears-brutal-Sanderstead-incident.html
