Sick Halloween pranksters leave body of decapitated cat on war memorial

The body of a mutilated and decapitated cat has been left on a war memorial in what is thought to be part of a sick annual Halloween tradition.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

The body of the tortoiseshell cat, called Missy, was found in the grounds of St Catherine’s Church, in Wickford, Essex on Saturday by the vicar.

The RSPCA has now launched an investigation after the disfigured body was collected and took to be examined by a vet.

RSPCA inspector Marie Hammerton 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.”

Sick: The cat’s body had been mutilated (SWNS)

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She 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.”

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 and she became worried when she failed to return at night - when she is not allowed out.

Gruesome discovery: The body of the cat was left at St Catherine’s Church in Wickford (SWNS)

On Saturday morning, Missy was still missing so Ms Pillar 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.

Ms Pillar said: ”They said it was a terrible sight, they said her tail had been hacked off and they couldn’t find her head.

“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.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call 0300 123 8018.

Top pic: SWNS