Mutilated cat with head, legs and tail ripped off dumped on church war memorial in sick ‘Halloween prank’ which happens every year
The RSPCA has launched an investigation after a vicar discovered the cat's remains draped over the grave
A HORRIFICALLY mutilated cat has been discovered dumped on a church war memorial in a sick 'Halloween prank'.
Tortoiseshell Missy was found with its head, front legs and tail ripped off.
The RSPCA has launched an investigation after a vicar discovered the cat's remains draped on a war memorial grave in the grounds of St Catherine's Church, in Wickford, Essex, on Saturday.
The vicar contacted the RSPCA and inspector Marie Hammerton collected the disfigured body and took it be examined by a vet.
She said: "The vet believes the cat's body was mutilated after she had died but it's not clear at this time how she died.
"The head, front legs and tail have been ripped off but all the organs are intact.
"These sorts of injuries can be caused by wildlife predating on the bodies of animals - such as cats - which may have been killed on the roads."
The vicar later told the RSPCA that a 'prank' involving a mutilated animal was an annual occurrence at the church around Halloween.
“The vet believes the cat’s body was mutilated after she had died but it’s not clear at this time how she died,” inspector Hammerton said.
“The head, front legs and tail have been ripped off but all the organs are intact.
“These sorts of injuries can be caused by wildlife predating on the bodies of animals - such as cats - which may have been killed on the roads.”
related stories
The five-year-old cat belonged to Sandra Pillar, who lives near to the church.
She told investigators Missy had gone out as usual on Friday afternoon but hadn't returned later in the day.
The devastated owner said: "I went out looking for her as she hadn't put in an appearance. I was calling her but I wasn't unduly worried,
"As it got later I got quite worried as she's not allowed out at night."
On Saturday morning, Missy was still missing so Sandra and her neighbours went to look for her again when they heard from a local that the body of a cat had been found in the churchyard.
"They said it was a terrible sight, they said her tail had been hacked off and they couldn't find her head," Sandra said.
"It's just awful, I can't believe it. It's so scary.
"She was such a lovely little cat. She would go off into other gardens so everybody knew her, she was popular and she was so sweet."
Inspector Hammerton added: "It's just heartbreaking. Not only does this awful incident involve the sad death and shocking mutilation of a beloved pet cat, but also the desecration of a war memorial.
"The vicar told Missy's owner that every year, around Halloween, a 'prank' involving a mutilated animal occurs at the church."
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call 0300 123 8018.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368