The latest victim of the so-called 'Croyden Cat Killer' has been found in Hampshire in the south of England. The devastated family of Millie, a ginger cat, said that her body was found by a neighbor nearly decapitated and with other, horrific injuries that the notorious criminal has come to be known for.Simon Vines, one of Millie's family members, said:
The sickest thing for our family is the fact someone could kill a defenseless animal like that in cold blood. My children and my partner were absolutely hysterical when they heard the news. I would do anything to see this horrible person caught.
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Millie was found in a neighbor's garden in Hampshire. Source: Portsmouth News/Solent News & Photo Agency UK[/caption]The killer, also known as the 'M25 Cat Killer' after the motorway that circles London, is believed to have killed over 300 pet cats, as well as dozens of rabbits and foxes, up and down the country. Most of the victims have been in London, with the first, a tortoiseshell called Amber, being found in Croyden in 2015.His animal victims are usually found decapitated, disemboweled, and missing limbs or tails. Overwhelmingly, they had been lured towards him with food, before being killed with 'blunt force trauma'. Pet owners have been advised to be vigilant and keep their animals inside at night, particularly in areas where he has already killed.[caption id="attachment_27527" align="alignnone" width="534"]
Millie with Esme Vine, one of her family members. Source: Portsmouth News/Solent News & Photo Agency UK[/caption]A nationwide investigation has been launched by the metropolitan police, helped by the Snarl organization and forensics experts at the University of Surrey, to try and track down this particularly disturbing criminal. This is not only for the sake of the animals at risk, as police detective Andy Collin explains:
Cats are targeted because they are associated with the feminine. The killer can't deal with a woman or women who are troubling him. At some stage he'll escalate or feel brave enough to move on to vulnerable women and girls.
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Mimi, another victim, was killed in London in September. Source: Snarl[/caption]According to the New York State Humane Association, nearly 70% of violent criminals begin by abusing animals, while a study byNortheastern Universityfound that ‘animal abusers were five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people, four times more likely to commit property crimes, and three times more likely to have a record for drug or disorderly‐conduct offenses’.Peta UK and Outpaced have offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the Croyden Cat Killer's capture, while the police and Snarl have released a description of the suspect, who is believed to be a white man in his 40's. They have also advised people not to approach him if they see him, and to contact them and the police immediately if they have information.The investigation continues.
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