A petition calling for the Croydon Cat Killer investigation to be reopened has been launched.

Danielle Hickson, 22, started the petition after the police today revealed that they were closing their investigation into hundreds of reports of death and mutilation, having found no evidence of human involvement in any cases.

Despite the findings, Ms Hickson, from Caterham, still believes the mutilations were carried out by a human, rather than foxes as police concluded.

She said: “I think it is awful that the case has been closed.

“I have two cats myself and I am passionate about the welfare of all animals.

“If this had happened to my cats I would be absolutely devastated, and I believe that if the killer is allowed to proceed with no repercussions, he will move onto larger victims.

“If this was happening to humans they would not close the case so why is it different with animals?”

Your Local Guardian: Danielle with one of her catsDanielle with one of her cats

Danielle Hickson with her cat Caspar

Ms Hickson was unconvinced by the investigation’s findings.

She added: “They changed the story.

“Initially they said that animals had been harmed with blunt force and dissected with a sharp instrument.

“Now suddenly they have changed their minds and said it's foxes.

“I do believe they have given up on the investigation because they don't see these lives as important and perhaps they believe it is a waste of time.”

Earlier today the police released the conclusions of a near three-year long investigation, which suggested foxes were most likely to blame.

Post-mortem examinations indicated most deaths were caused by car-collisions, with any mutilations being the result of scavenging animals. 

Six cases were still deemed suspicious, due to the discovery of mutilations consistent with the use of a sharp implement.

But further post-mortem examinations revealed additional puncture wounds previously unnoticed, which led the investigation to conclude the cats had been savaged by wildlife.

South Norwood Animal Rescue Liberty (SNARL), a rescue centre based in South Norwood, worked closely with the police throughout the investigation.

In a statement released today, SNARL also expressed surprise at the investigation’s conclusions.

A spokesperson said: “We consider that the evidence we have gathered over the last three years does indicate human involvement and there is expert opinion to back this up. Over the last three years, we have discounted over 1500 incidents as non-human related.

“The police have said that they will continue to investigate incidents where there is clear evidence of human involvement.”

Ms Hickson’s petition is currently being reviewed for approval: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/229010/moderation-info