A FAMILY have told of their horror after finding the headless body of their pet cat in an alleyway.

Samantha Lovell, of St Martin’s Road, Portland, was on her way to work when a neighbour made the grizzly discovery.

Miss Lovell said: “I think it’s horrendous. Who would do that?

“It’s not even a case of a cat being killed, but slicing its head off and taking it away.”

The cat, called Harry, was found with its head missing.

Miss Lovell added: “The police said it was possible that a seagull or fox had taken the head, but I suppose it could have been some sick person who took it as a trophy.”

The animal lover, who has another cat called Daisy, took her pet’s body to the vet.

She said: “I was told that it was a clean cut and that someone obviously knew what they were doing with a knife.”

Another resident of St Martin’s Road found the cat on Tuesday morning.

Miss Lovell said: “She was obviously really distraught. No one wants to see that.

“She said it was a tabby, so I went to check on my cats, and saw that Harry was missing. That’s when alarm bells started ringing.”

Miss Lovell’s fiancé Gareth Jolliff went to check the body and confirmed it was that of their nine-year-old pet Harry.

She said: “Gareth and my son Lewis are absolutely devastated. Gareth cannot get the picture of Harry’s body out of his head.

“Lewis was seven when we got Harry, and he named him.”

Geoff Matthews, branch president of the West Dorset RSPCA, said: “This is a sadistic, unpleasant and cruel act.

“I’ve never heard of anything like this happening before, and you would hope it is a one-off act.

“It really does make you wonder about the welfare of whoever did this.”

Dorset Police, who are investigating the incident, believe it took place on Monday night.

Investigating officer police constable Jamie Heath said: “Forensic examination suggests a sharp implement was used by the offender.

“This is a despicable act of cruelty, which has left Harry’s owners distraught, and I am keen to speak to anyone who has information about the person responsible.”

The family are desperate to find out what happened to their pet.

Miss Lovell said: “Someone must know something.

“I just can’t imagine who would do this to an animal.

“I can’t think of anyone who would have a vendetta against me, but Harry was such a docile creature that he probably would have just rolled over if someone approached him.”

The family are now keeping their other cat Daisy shut up inside the house.

Miss Lovell said: “The most disturbing thing is that you have to wonder who is going around Portland with a weapon sharp enough to cut off a cat’s head.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101.

unusual incident

Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant Sam Goom said: “This is a very unusual incident and very distressing for the owners.

“Safer Neighbourhood officers on the island will be working with investigators and the local community to find the person responsible.

“Anyone with any concerns should contact the Portland Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101 or through the Local Policing pages at www.dorset.police.uk”