Three Arrested After Cat's Tail Sent Through Owner's Letterbox
Police are questioning three individuals in connection with the death of an eight-year-old cat whose tail was discovered in its owner's mailbox.
Three individuals have been arrested and are currently being questioned by police in connection with the death of an eight-year-old tabby cat named Max. A 37-year-old woman and two men, aged 47 and 75, were taken into custody after Max's tail was found posted through his owner's letterbox.
Max had disappeared from outside the home of owners Louise, 45, and Lisa, 47, in Hull, England, approximately five weeks prior to the discovery. Lisa found the cat's distinctive white-tipped tail in their shared mailbox. "I just heard Lisa screaming and crying," Louise recalled. "That is something I will never forget."
Max was last seen on Monday, September 14, after Louise placed him in the front garden around noon. According to Louise, Max had become a homebody after the family moved in July 2025, rarely venturing beyond neighboring gardens. By that evening, Max was still missing, and by 7 p.m., the owners were reportedly distressed, putting up missing posters the following day.
Following the discovery of the tail, it was sent to a specialist veterinary clinic in Liverpool for forensic examination. Six days after the tail was found, the remainder of Max's body was discovered by a dog walker in nearby woods.
Investigators collected samples of Max's fur as part of the search for DNA evidence. The owners held a memorial for Max outside their flat, decorating his favorite tree with yellow ribbons. The ordeal also led Louise and Lisa to cancel their planned wedding reception, stating they could no longer bear the thought of celebrating.
The three suspects have been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications and failing to prevent the causing of 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 charges of witness intimidation and harassment. All three remain in police custody.
Inspector Lucy Kevan of Humberside Police stated, "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."
