Increasingly concerned animal welfare activists are the prolific ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ on the prowl after more gruesome incidents.
The so-called ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ has reportedly killed, dismembered and maimed 400 cats and other animals across England since 2014.
Police conducted a three-year investigation into the cat killings, but concluded in 2018 saying they were “probably killed by foxes.”
However, many owners and animal welfare activists believe the “Croydon Cat Killer” is still at large.
In a recent incident in Christchurch, Dorset, in November, Emma Bleh Alley’s cat went missing and was later found beheaded.
She believed it was the work of the “Croydon Cat Killer”.
The 40-year-old told the Metro in November: “I contacted the police, RSPCA and SNARL, who are investigating the cat killer.
“They say the fact that Alley missed his head and tail is the killer’s signature because he keeps trophies.”
She said the “monster” should be prevented from carrying out further attacks.
Another brutal attack occurred in Christchurch, Dorset, in November, after Emma Blehs Alley’s cat (pictured) went missing and was later found beheaded
The murders started in Croydon in 2014 and have spread to 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 her home in West Hill, Croydon on October 8 and her body was found outside the family home on Sunday October 10.
After a veterinarian concluded he had been deliberately killed, the shocking discovery was reported to police, according to Inside Croydon.
Its distraught owner, Jodie Albutt, then posted on social networks: “It is only by sheer luck that our children did not find it.”
In another recent incident, a family’s domestic 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 was described as “really horrible” by animal welfare activists.
They believe the murder has many telltale 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 slaughtered recently on a street in Crawley.
Investigators believe the September 2 discovery could also have been the work of the “Croydon Cat Killer”.
A 2018 map demarcated the places where the ‘beliedon Cat Killer’ allegedly dismembered, mutilated and killed cats
And that’s not the only recent attack, with another cat found headless and slaughtered on a street in Crawley. Investigators believe the September 2 find could also have been the work of the “Croydon Cat Killer”
Boudicca Rising (pictured right) in 2018 with ex-partner Tony Jenkins with whom she founded South Norwood Animal Rescue (SNARL). She now runs SLAIN (South London Animal Investigation) and has said that although animal killings have declined due to night patrols of public spaces, she was concerned the ‘Creddon Cat Killer’ was on the prowl again. .
Boudicca Rising, from SLAIN, the South London Animal Investigation Network, said: “We ask anyone who finds a mutilated animal to contact us on 07957 830490 or through our Facebook page. We can then direct them to the nearest vet or arrange a visit to do it ourselves.
She said night patrols in public places had reduced incidents in some areas and that there had been none for more than two years in two areas.
Despite this, there have been over 400 reports of cats and other animals dismembered, beheaded and killed.
The murders started in Croydon in 2014 and have spread to London and the rest of the UK.
A 31-year-old man was arrested in January 2018 in connection with the murders, but was later released.
Police closed the ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ case in 2018, saying it was ‘probably foxes’ who carried out the murders.
Police closed the ‘Croydon Cat Killer’ case in 2018, saying it was ‘probably foxes’ who carried out the murders. Owners have responded with fury, including Samantha Glass and her daughter Tabitha Brown (pictured), who found their cat Harley dead in their family home
The owners have responded with fury, including Samantha Glass and her daughter Tabitha Brown, who found their cat Harley dead in their family home.
Ms Glass said at the time: “Words fail me – this is a massive failure in all respects,” she said. “We need the victims to come together to march against the police.
‘What else can we do? There is countless evidence from the Met indicating that cats were maimed by a clean slice.
“There have been decapitated heads lying across London; what happens when the killer brings the tail back to the doorstep? “
She launched a protest campaign on social media, with many others claiming that their own cats or animals had also been killed, maimed or dismembered.
The “Jack the Ripper” cat had 15 agents on its trail at one time.
Ukiyo who was found dismembered near her owner’s house in London’s Croydon district
Investigations began in November 2015 due to reports of numerous mutilated cats, often without heads and tails.
Three CCTV recordings of foxes with body parts of cats in their mouths were found.
Officers worked with the RSPCA and the local South Norwood Animal Rescue League (SNARL) charity.
It was later revealed that officers had spent £ 140,000 on the investigation, including £ 8,000 on specialist autopsies to conclude the killings were the work of foxes.
But the owners and SNARL refused to accept their explanation and previously vowed to find the culprit themselves.
And in 2019, residents of Sussex feared a ‘Brighton cat killer’ was on the run after 25 cats were stabbed to death in 18 months. They found Steve Bouquet (pictured) to be the culprit and killed 16 cats in Brighton – he was jailed for five years
After a petition was launched to reopen the case, SNARL continued the investigation.
And in 2019, residents of Sussex feared a ‘Brighton cat killer’ was on the run after 25 cats were stabbed to death in 18 months.
Police launched a separate investigation called “Operation Diverge” to find out who was behind the wave of killings.
They found Steve Bouquet to be 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 welfare activists fear they will continue to strike.
