Investigation launched after cat’s body found 'skinned' in south London

"It’s absolutely horrifying"
The images were described as "horrifying" by the RSPCA
RSPCA
Imogen Braddick28 September 2020

An investigation has been launched after a seven-month-old cat was found "skinned" in south London.

The body of the black and white cat was found on Wednesday in Thornton Road, Carshalton.

RSPCA inspector Emily Buckett described photos of the cat, named Reggie, as "absolutely horrifying".

She said a wild animal may have been involved, but the circumstances of the incident seemed "unusual".

"The finder sent us some very upsetting photos that showed the body had been skinned but there was fur still on the head and legs, almost like the torso section has been cut and peeled back," she said. "It’s absolutely horrifying.

"When I arrived and found the body, the tail - that had been intact in the photos - had gone. I suspect this may have been a wild animal though. It’s not clear whether the cat was already dead when this happened.

"Sadly, we are sometimes called to cats who have died, often as a result of being hit by a car, and then predated on by a wild animal.

"But we tend to find that in these cases that the head and internal organs are removed so it seems strange in this instance that just the fur had been peeled off."

Ms Buckett said Reggie's owners are "horrified" by what has happened.

"While this could be a very sad case of an RTC and wildlife predation, the circumstances of the skinning seem unusual to me and I’d like to appeal for information," she said.

Anyone who might be able to help with the investigation should contact the RSPCA's appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

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