Oldham cat rescue demands law change after cat 'beheading'

Last month, Poppy, a 13-year-old resident cat of Oldham Cats Rescue was discovered dead in "very close proximity" to the centre on Saxon Street, Middleton.

Volunteers made the sickening discovery that the tabby cat had been decapitated, with her head still missing, in a "horrific act of animal cruelty".

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Poppy was cruelly found decapitated near the rescue centre last month (Image: Oldham Cats Rescue)

Vets at the centre confirmed it was likely Poppy had been deliberately injured as the rescue manager, Davina Hanes, said she suffered "too clean a break" to have succumbed to any other type of injury or animal attack. 

Ms Hanes said the team were "traumatised" and "heartbroken beyond belief" by the incident and that nothing like it had ever occurred in her 26 years at the shelter.

Speaking to The Oldham Times, she added: "Whether they've used a machete, I have no idea.

"But they've obviously taken her head - almost as if they have taken it like a trophy.

"It feels like you've been kicked in the gut. It's just awful."

Davina Hanes said team is 'traumatised' and feel let down by the police (Image: Oldham Cats Rescue)

Since the incident, the rescue centre has been fundraising to build a catio, called Poppy's Palace, so the cats have a safe space to roam at night.

However, the charity, which was founded in 1996, said police response to catch the perpetrator was "hesitant" and "inadequate" after officers "declined to visit, look for evidence, talk to neighbours to review CCTV footage".

Ms Hanes continued: "What concerns me with this slow response is this perpetrator - who's to say they're going to stop with a cat? It leads to more despicable behaviours. 

"It's just a kick in the stomach, to not give her that respect that she deserved."

The shelter, which rehomes an average of 270 cats a year and has a no-kill policy in place, said it has been touched by an "outpouring of support" from people and local businesses which they say shows "there is a real demand for genuine, focussed and co-ordinated action to rectify this social evil".

Amelia Rose Craft and Bows gifted memorial pieces for Poppy after hearing the news (Image: Oldham Cats Rescue)

The team said it is time the authorities take adequate action, adding: "It’s not even just an animal welfare issue.

"Allowing these incidents to continue, without effective intervention, misses the chance to identify perpetrators who obviously have serious psychological disorders and may progress to even worse crimes."

The UK Animal Welfare Act 2006 considers companion animals such as cats as personal property, which means "any damage or harm to a cat is legally the same as damage to any other piece of property", Ms Hanes said.

Similarly, there is no obligation to report cats involved in car crashes, unlike dogs.

Ms Hanes added: "Our feline friends do not enjoy the same rights as other animals.

"These discrepancies in treatment are unjust and require urgent attention and action.

"Loopholes and inconsistencies in legislation often result in lenient penalties for offenders, perpetuating a cycle of impunity.

"The lack of enforcement and resources allocated to enforce these laws further exacerbates the problem.

"Without robust and comprehensive measures in place, cats remain vulnerable and in danger."

Volunteer, Eddie, made a plaque for Poppy's Palace while other supporters donated gifts and flowers (Image: Oldham Cats Rescue)

Now, the rescue centre is building a campaign to demand a change in the law that would see cats enshrined with equal rights to that of other animals.

The petition for Poppy's Law, which echoes Lucy's Law for puppies and kittens, outlines placing cats on the same legal footing as dogs in respect of road traffic accidents and intentional cruelty.

The law would also place a greater emphasis on the police to take matters seriously, making it a statutory responsibility to investigate crimes involving the intentional killing or mutilation of cats and require officers to attend the sites of incidents.

It would also see police commissioners publish annual reports on such cases and what police action was taken.

The change in the law has scope to expand even further, changing the way 'hand-offs' between central and local police teams communicate.

This is because Ms Hanes said the rescue centre complained to the chief constable about the slow response and was told the incident had not been passed to the local force.

The change in law would provide better protection for cats, the shelter argues (Image: Oldham Cats Rescue)

In addition, Poppy's Law hopes to see animal welfare and police ministers reporting to Parliament on the effectiveness of these proposed new measures.

The petition, which already has more than 950 signatures at the time of writing, adds: "All of us at Oldham Cats Rescue believe every whisker counts.

"By fostering a culture of compassion and empathy, we endeavour to create a brighter future for cats in our community.

"As a Rescue who deeply cares about the welfare of cats, we are appalled to learn that cats are treated differently under the law compared to other animals.

"This is a shocking revelation considering that they are protected animals.

"Let us work together to create a world where every cat is valued, respected, and treated with the dignity they rightfully deserve."

Signatures to the petition can be made on Charge.org by searching 'Implement Poppy's Law: Equal Rights for Cats as for Other Animals'.

Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.

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