By Tim Binnall
Authorities in England say that they have found the culprit behind a series of grisly animal slayings thought to be the work of a demented individual dubbed the 'Croydon Cat Killer.' The unsettling case, which saw hundreds of felines slaughtered in gruesome fashion over the last three years, terrified pet owners and deeply concerned animal welfare groups. However, officials from Scotland Yard have reportedly announced that the 'monster' behind the cat killings was, in fact, not some twisted miscreant.
Based on what sounds like an exhaustive investigation, they contend that the attacks attributed to the 'Croydon Cat Killer' were probably just instances of normal animal predation and scavenging. most likely done by foxes. Their reasoning behind this assessment included a re-examination of six feline victims which found previously-unseen injuries to the cats that suggest these prosaic reasons for their demise. Additionally, a study of five other animals downed by the mystery murderer revealed fox DNA near their wounds.
Furthermore, Scotland Yard noted that there were three cases in which security cameras caught foxes carrying dead cats that resembled felines dismembered in a manner often ascribed to the suspected serial animal killer. Animal experts consulted by the cops also helped shaped their opinion by noting that the murderous methodology perceived to have been committed by human hands was actually typical of animals picking off parts of downed creatures that they plan to eat.
While the RSPCA expressed gratitude that the case has seemingly come to a close, not everyone agrees with Scotland Yard's findings. The group South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL), which has been at the forefront of tracking the 'Croydon Cat Killer' and raising awareness of the feline murders, issued a brief statement arguing that authorities got it wrong. "We consider that the evidence we have gathered over the last three years does indicate human involvement," they said, "and there is expert opinion to back this up."
No doubt disappointed by the results of the investigation, they went on to note that "over the last three years, we have discounted over 1500 incidents as non-human related." Nonetheless, SNARL said that their focus right now is with the "victim's families" and they'll issue a lengthier statement at some point in the future which will, one assumes, refute the points made by Scotland Yard and offer their proof that the 'Croydon Cat Killer' is real and, chillingly, still out there waiting to strike again.