Arrests follow discovery of missing cat's severed tail in Hull letterbox

Three people have been taken into custody in connection with an incident in Hull, United Kingdom, in which the cut-off tail of a missing cat was deposited in the animal's owners' letterbox. A 37-year-old woman and two men, ages 47 and 75, were detained on suspicion of malicious communications and failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to an animal. The 47-year-old man also was arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage. The 75-year-old man faces further allegations of witness intimidation and harassment. At the time of the report, all three were still in police custody. The arrests came after the disappearance and death of Max, an eight-year-old tabby owned by Louise, 45, and Lisa, 47. According to Louise, Max vanished on September 14 after she allowed him into the front garden around midday. She noted that since the couple moved to the property in July 2025, he had seldom gone past nearby gardens. The pair displayed missing posters the next day. Five days after Max went missing, Lisa came across his recognizable white-tipped tail as she gathered the mail. "I just heard Lisa screaming and crying. That is something I will never forget," Louise said. Humberside Police Inspector Lucy Kevan offered reassurance to local 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 delivered to a specialist veterinary clinic in Liverpool for forensic testing. Six days after it was found, a person walking a dog discovered Max's body in woods close to the couple's residence. As part of the DNA investigation, authorities collected fur samples. Louise and Lisa organized a candlelit memorial next to Max's preferred tree outside their flat, where those attending fastened yellow ribbons. The couple, who have shared nine years together, also called off a planned pub gathering and buffet that was to follow their wedding ceremony, explaining that they could not face celebrating.