Three arrested after cat's severed tail posted through letterbox

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 09:31 · Archive

Three people arrested after an eight-year-old cat's severed tail was posted through owners' letterbox in Hull.

Three people have been arrested following the death of eight-year-old tabby cat Max in Hull. A 37-year-old woman and two men, aged 47 and 75, are being questioned by police on suspicion of malicious communications and failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to an animal. The 47-year-old man was additionally arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage, whilst the 75-year-old was arrested on suspicion of witness intimidation and harassment. All three remain in police custody.

Max disappeared on 14 September after owner Louise put him in the front garden at around noon. Louise, 45, and Lisa, 47, reported that Max had become a 'real homebody' since the family moved in July 2025 and rarely ventured beyond neighbouring gardens. By 7pm that day Louise was panicking, and the couple posted missing notices the following morning.

Five days after Max's disappearance, Lisa discovered his distinctive white-tipped tail when collecting mail from their shared post area. Max's tail was sent to a specialist vet in Liverpool for forensic examination. Six days after the tail was discovered, a dog walker found Max's body in woods near their home.

How it is being reported

• Three people arrested after missing cat’s tail is posted through owner’s letterboxTabby cat Max had a distinctive white tipped tail (Picture: SWNS) Three people have been arrested after a missing cat’s severed tail was posted through his owners’ letterbox. A 37-year-old woman and two men, aged 47 and 75, are being questioned by cops following the death of eight-year-old tabby…Metro · 9 Oct, 09:17
• Three arrested after missing eight-year-old cat's tail is posted through owner's letterboxA 37-year-old woman and two men, aged 47 and 75, are being questioned by police following the death of eight-year-old Max.Daily Mail · 8 Oct, 16:34

In this story: Max · Louise · Lisa · Hull · Humberside Police · Liverpool

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