Volunteers at an Oldham cat rescue center are reeling from a devastating discovery after finding their beloved resident cat, Poppy, brutally killed and her head missing. The incident has stirred outrage and grief among the staff, who describe Poppy as “sweet and gentle.”
Poppy, a 13-year-old tabby cat, was found dead on Thursday (March 21) near the rescue center on Saxon Street in Middleton. The team was horrified to discover that Poppy had been beheaded in what has been described as a “horrific act of animal cruelty,” confirmed by a team of veterinarians.
According to Davina Hanes, the manager of Oldham Cat Rescue, the volunteers 0are traumatized by the incident, expressing their shock and disbelief. “It feels like you’ve been kicked in the gut. It’s just awful,” she said. Ms. Hanes emphasized that Poppy was adored by everyone and was known for her loving nature.
Poppy’s body was examined by veterinarians, who confirmed that her injuries were deliberate. The decapitation was described as “too clean a break” to be accidental, raising suspicions of intentional cruelty. Disturbingly, Poppy’s severed head has yet to be found, leaving the volunteers deeply unsettled.
Despite the presence of CCTV cameras on the premises, the perpetrator managed to evade detection, indicating a calculated effort to avoid surveillance. The rescue center estimates that the incident occurred between 2 am and 10 am on Thursday morning. However, they expressed frustration over the slow response from law enforcement, noting that officers are yet to interview staff or visit the scene.
In response to this tragic event, the volunteers are rallying for legislative change and justice for Poppy. They are advocating for “Poppy’s Law,” which aims to enhance protections for cats and hold perpetrators of animal abuse accountable. Ms. Hanes emphasized the need for stricter legislation to address incidents of animal cruelty and ensure that cats are afforded the same rights and respect as other animals.
The news of Poppy’s untimely death comes amid a concerning trend of similar incidents in the region. Reports of cat beheadings in neighboring areas have raised alarm, indicating a potential rise in such cruel acts. The volunteers are determined to raise awareness and push for measures to safeguard the welfare of cats in the community.
In memory of Poppy, the rescue center has launched a fundraising campaign to build a secure outdoor enclosure, known as “Poppy’s Palace,” where cats can safely roam at night. The initiative aims to provide added protection for the cats in light of recent events and ensure that they are kept safe from harm.
The volunteers expressed their devastation over Poppy’s senseless death, condemning it as an “act of animal cruelty” that has left them heartbroken and traumatized. They urge anyone with information to come forward and help bring the perpetrator to justice.
Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment on the investigation into Poppy’s death. The volunteers remain determined to seek justice for Poppy and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
