I HAVE been following with much sadness and anger the reports of numbers of cats being killed or seriously injured in Brighton and Hove.

My cats are all indoor but others may wish their cats to go outside and should feel that this is safe (traffic accidents need to be considered of course).

These incidents are widespread throughout the UK and not confined to Croydon although the numerous killings led to a charity (Snarl) being set up there to co-ordinate and try to ascertain if there was a pattern or a profile of the possible killer.

The Metropolitan Police eventually dismissed the killings as the work of foxes, which those of us who understand fox behaviour have concluded is “highly unlikely”.

Recognising that these killings are deliberate acts by a human is hard.

Unfortunately, a recent killing occurred in Peacehaven, in a quiet road near to the A259.

The cat was a nervous, indoor cat, allowed to go out through carelessness of builders leaving doors open.

After disappearing for a few days, his body was found and through microchip information, the owner was informed, obviously distraught.

A very kind woman had taken his body to a nearby vet and they took care of the situation and at the owner’s request informed the police.

The response of both Peacehaven and Brighton police was excellent. They have established a special file and will keep careful note of details.

So far there seems to be only one incident in Peacehaven but the nature of the killing and the injuries resembles those of Brighton and Croydon.

Whoever is doing this absolutely has to be found and stopped.

CCTV can be checked and anyone engaging in “suspicious” behaviour around cats needs to be observed very closely and if necessary reported.

Not only are these incidents traumatic for the owners and all cat lovers but cruelty to animals can indicate future cruelty to humans, even murder.

I understand that the charity Snarl is engaging the services of a profiler who might at least shed some light on the behavioural features of the killer(s).

I urge everyone to microchip their cats and to keep a very close eye on them, not only in Brighton but everywhere and to report any incidents immediately to the police.

Parents need to be aware of their children belonging to gangs where initiation ceremonies could involve killing an animal.

Of course if you find a seriously injured cat, please take it to the nearest vet.

Dr Diane Waller Address supplied