Evil cat killer strikes in Tweedbank
David Knox • Published 14 Sep 2012 09:30
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POLICE are on the trail of a sick cat killer in Tweedbank.
The remains of the family pet were discovered a week past Friday near the Black Path.
Three-year-old Marley had been decapitated by the killer with its body and head left near to the riverside walkway behind the village's community centre.
A dog-walker made the grim discovery - and contacted the owner after finding the animal's collar just yards away.
A Tweedbank animal lover contacted the Border Telegraph. She told us: "The poor family had only been looking after the cat for a few months - it was a beautiful little thing.
"I have lived in Tweedbank for almost 30 years and never heard of anything like this before. I just hope the police catch whoever is responsible - this is sick."
Following forensic tests it was found that the decapitation had been caused deliberately.
Local police and cruelty officers from the SSPCA have launched a joint enquiry to snare the culprit.
And they are asking for anyone with information to come forward.
Inspector Mike Wynne from Lothian and Borders Police said: "This is a despicable act to carry out on an animal and is of considerable distress to the family who are devastated at the loss of their pet.
"We are carrying out local enquiries to identify those responsible and anyone who remembers seeing any suspicious activity in Essenside Drive, the woodland surrounding the area or the Melrose to Galashiels railway walk is asked to contact police immediately.
"Similarly, anyone with any other information that can assist with our investigation is also asked to get in touch."
It is believed that Marley was last seen on the Friday morning - just hours before its headless body was found.
Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector Paul Anderson added: "This appears to have been a particularly horrific act of cruelty on a much loved pet cat and we would urge anyone with information to contact the police or ourselves as soon as possible."
Anyone with any information about this incident are requested to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999. Alternatively contact the charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 14 Sep 12
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