’Croydon cat killer’ could start targeting humans

A SERIAL cat killer who “enjoys” the act of murder has mutilated more than 50 pets over the past three years and could start targeting humans.

Bertie was one of the serial cat killer’s victims. Picture: SNARL

WARNING: Graphic content

A SERIAL cat killer who has decapitated and mutilated more than 50 pets over the past three years could start targeting humans, the UK’s most famous profiler has warned.

Criminal psychologist David Holmes said the ‘Croydon cat killer’ — who is yet to be identified or caught — was a sadist who “enjoys” the act of murder and could soon escalate their violence, according to The Standard.

South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) has reported more than 50 cats, as well as puppies, foxes and rabbits, found dead “at the hands of a human” across London’s Croydon, Richmond, Kingston, Streatham and Tottenham Hale over the past three years.

The number of animal killings committed by the mystery killer or killers could be higher.

The RSPCA yesterday confirmed 20 cats have “undoubtedly” been slaughtered by a human.

All the animals were killed in a similar manner, suffering beheadings, removal of organs, a slashed belly or neck, missing tail and/or limbs and other violent knife wounds.

Dr Holmes said the murders were “not the work of a 10-year-old”.

“This is not the work of someone who may grow out of it,” Dr Holmes told The Standard.

“This is someone who does not care about what they are doing or have any type of sentiment. This is someone who enjoys it.

“They may move onto humans. They may suddenly decide they are not satisfied with that level of killing and move on up to humans.

“He will feel empowered by knowing the sentence for killing animals won’t be long. But this may give him confidence to go on and target humans.

“I’m always a bit worried about prolific animal killers and their potential for it to escalate further.”

Most recently, two cats were discovered decapitated outside of their homes last month with more felines found headless in various parks just weeks ago.

Lulu is believed to have been killed by the ‘Croydon cat ripper’. Picture: SNARL

SNARL has recently claimed two slain puppies found in South Norwood Park were linked to the case.

A lack of blood at each of the crime scenes has prompted questions as to whether the killer first slaughters the animals in the one location before dumping their bodies across London.

In February this year, British actor Martin Clunes urged London police to nail the Croydon cat ripper.

The Doc Martin star said he feared the person responsible could go on to hurt humans.

He wrote a letter via People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) urging police to act, and backing the campaign group’s $A10,200 reward to catch the perpetrator.

“As someone who knows the area well and shares a home with many four-legged companions, I read with horror that some of the cats had been decapitated and dismembered — this is the stuff of nightmares,” the note read.

“The local community is understandably distraught and frightened. No one feels safe while this sick individual is on the loose.

“Acts of cruelty to animals are not mere indications of a minor personality flaw — they are symptomatic of a deep mental disturbance. Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals don’t stop there — many of them move on to their fellow humans.

“I implore you to take every measure necessary, including re-examining all available CCTV footage, to apprehend this dangerous criminal. The safety of the entire community depends on it.”

The RSPCA and SNARL have reported the killings to police.