Decapitated cat dumped in garden

A pet cat was stabbed and decapitated before being dumped in a front garden.

The cat, called Huggles, was adopted from an animal rescue centre in November and was killed in Lindford, Hampshire, on February 9.

Police community service officer John Terry said: "Huggles would have suffered a great deal before death. I'm looking for anyone who witnessed this brutal crime or saw anyone acting suspiciously before or after this event to get in touch, as the person who did this could do it again or move on to bigger crimes.

"Whoever has committed this vicious crime took their time over it, using a sharp blade to remove the head. A local vet who examined the animal had never seen such a level of violence inflicted on an animal."

The Blue Cross animal charity also condemned the attack.

Lara Alford, deputy centre manager for the Blue Cross centre in Southampton, said: "It is unbelievable that someone could inflict such a vicious attack on a defenceless animal and loved pet who would have undoubtedly suffered extreme pain and distress."