Appeal after cat beheaded in Watford

Police are investigating an offence of animal cruelty after a cat died in north Watford. The body of the cat, who is 10 years old and called Jess, was found by her owner in the back garden of their home in Westfield Avenue at around 1pm on Sunday, August 17. The cat had been shot with a pellet gun and its head had been removed, which has subsequently not been found. It is unclear as to the exact time that the incident occurred but it is sometime between 6.30pm on Saturday, August 16th and lunchtime the following day when she was found. PC Leo Sale is investigating and said: “Understandably the owners are extremely distraught at the loss of their beloved pet in such an inhumane way and I would urge anyone who has any information about what happened or who knows who is responsible to contact police straight away. “This is a really serious and unusual incident that is very distressing and we need to speak to those involved urgently. Please call us if you know who did this.” Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Leo Sale via the Herts Police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number C4/14/1721. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, you could be entitled to a reward.