Three people have been arrested after the severed tail of a missing cat was placed in his owners’ letterbox in Hull, United Kingdom.
A 37-year-old woman and two men, aged 47 and 75, were arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to an animal. The 47-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage, while the 75-year-old man faces additional allegations of witness intimidation and harassment. All three remained in police custody at the time of the report.
The arrests follow the disappearance and death of Max, an eight-year-old tabby belonging to Louise, 45, and Lisa, 47. Max disappeared on September 14 after Louise let him into their front garden at about noon. She said he rarely ventured beyond neighbouring gardens since the couple moved to the property in July 2025.
The couple put up missing posters the following day. Five days after his disappearance, Lisa found his distinctive white-tipped tail while collecting their mail. “I just heard Lisa screaming and crying. That is something I will never forget,” Louise said. Humberside Police Inspector Lucy Kevan sought to reassure residents.
“I understand a report of this nature causes concern amongst the community. However, I would like to provide reassurance that we believe this to be an isolated incident.” The tail was sent to a specialist vet in Liverpool for forensic examination. Six days after its discovery, a dog walker found Max’s body in woodland near the couple’s home. Investigators took fur samples as part of their search for DNA evidence.
Louise and Lisa held a candlelit memorial beside Max’s favourite tree outside their flat, where mourners tied yellow ribbons. The couple, who have been together for nine years, also cancelled a planned pub celebration and buffet following their wedding ceremony, saying they could no longer face celebrating.