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An animal lover whose cat was found dead in south London with its tail lopped off today called on police to step up efforts to catch the “psychopath” thought to be responsible for up to 50 horrific pet slayings.

At least four more animals have been reported dead within a few miles in little more than a week, having suffered what investigators describe as “trademark” mutilations.

Charity Peta is now offering a £5,000 reward for the capture of the “Croydon cat ripper”.

A stray ginger cat was found decapitated in Thornton Heath on Saturday after Buddy, a six-year-old tabby, was discovered dead with his tail chopped off and collar removed in Forest Hill.

Buddy did not come home for dinner last Wednesday and his owner Niro Kavanen was putting up missing posters when a neighbour found his cat dead in a nearby parking area.

Mr Kavanen, 26, said: “On Friday my stepdad called me. I could hear from his voice I should go home. I instantly burst into tears — not even knowing what happened but I assumed the worst. I saw his tail had been cut off and his collar removed.

“Buddy would always come to me when he was scared. They need to catch who is doing this — if nothing else, just raise awareness there is this psychopath going around.”

Animal welfare group South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (Snarl) believe many, if not all, of the recent pet killings were by the same person.

Founders Boudicca Rising, 44, and Tony Jenkins, 51, are compiling evidence, including from vets, and say the cat ripper’s methods include beating the animal to death before removing its head, paws or tail.

Ms Rising said: “The cuts are made after death. It’s a clean cut with a bladed instrument — that has been confirmed by post mortems.”

A tortoiseshell called Lulu was found decapitated in Kingston on 2 April; a Persian cat, Bertie, was found dead the next day near Frimley; and last Tuesday, a cat called Merlin was found decapitated and disembowelled in Petts Wood.

An RSPCA spokesman said it was too early to say whether the deaths were linked.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. To report incidents to Snarl call 07961 030064 or 07957 830490.