The RSPCA is appealing for information after the body of a cat was found in suspicious circumstances on a London street.
The black male cat was discovered on the doorstep of a home in Axminster Crescent in Welling, London Borough of Bexley, at around 8am on Saturday 7 February.
The cat had significant, distressing injuries – including a broken jaw, facial trauma and severe traumatic wounds at the back of his body, with his tail removed and organs pulled through the cut, and damage to his rear claws. His eyes had also been removed.
While the vet who examined him said some of the injuries may be consistent with a road traffic accident, it is unclear whether other injuries occurred before or after death.
The resident who made the tragic discovery had left home at around 6am and confirmed that the domestic short-haired cat was not there at that time – suggesting the animal had been dumped on the doorstep between 6am and 8am when they returned.
Inspector Clive Hopwood, who is investigating for the animal welfare charity, said: “This was a very upsetting discovery for the residents and extremely distressing for everyone involved – this poor cat was completely mutilated.
“We are keeping an open mind about how the cat sustained these injuries – but although some injuries could be consistent with a road traffic collision, the circumstances in which the body was found are concerning. There is a real worry that some of the more horrifying injuries, such as his gouged-out eyes, could have been inflicted deliberately.
“We’re unsure if these injuries occurred before or after death – but either way, this poor cat would have suffered immensely.
“The timeframe in which the cat was placed at the location is quite narrow, and we are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or other footage recorded in or around Axminster Crescent between 6am and 8am on Saturday 7 February.
“If you saw any person or vehicle acting suspiciously in the area at that time, please contact us. Even the smallest piece of information could be important.”
The cat was neutered and microchipped – however the phone number registered to the chip is out of service.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 1735662. The incident has also been reported to Kent Police under crime reference 11-0733.
More information on what the public can do to help animals in need is available on the RSPCA website. To support the RSPCA’s work, please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give
