Cat death linked to ‘animal serial killer’
Police also confirmed the incident is being linked with similar crimes across the south east.
A cat found dead in a Potter’s Bar garden is being linked to an animal serial killer, who is believed to be operating in various locations across the country.
The body of the cat, a male domestic shorthair, was found by his owner in her garden on Monday (23 October). The cat - who went missing on 17 October - had several wounds to his body. A post-mortem will be carried out to determine how the wounds were inflicted.
Inspector Pete Edwards, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: “An investigation has now been launched and I am appealing for anyone with information to please come forward. Were you in the area and witnessed someone behaving strangely, perhaps attempting to coax a cat towards them? Any information you can provide could prove vital in the investigation.”
Police also confirmed the incident is being linked with similar crimes across the south east, which are being investigated by the Metropolitan Police and South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL), under Operation Takahe.
Inspector Edwards added: “This is understandably a highly emotive subject for many people and I appreciate that they will be worried about their pets.
“If you are concerned, our advice would be to keep cats in after dark and overnight, and if you have smaller pets that live outside in hutches I would also advise moving them to a locked shed or garage overnight if possible.”
Similar crimes have been reported in various locations, including Greater London, Surrey, Hampshire, Kent, Berkshire, Sussex, Manchester, West Midlands, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire.
In October alone, SNARL has reported numerous cases of animals being found dead, bearing similar injuries to the victims of the so-called animal serial killer, who was once referred to as the ‘Croydon cat killer’ before crimes began to spread more widely.
Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form. Hertfordshire Constabulary can also be contacted on the non-emergency number 101, quoting the crime reference J3/17/1491.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
