A third cat has reportedly been beheaded in south-east London this month alone, as the spate of brutal animal killings continues.

The latest reported victim was a 22-month-old cat named Barney, who was found mutilated by his owner in Mottingham on Sunday evening (April 24), according to the rescue centre involved in the investigation.

His killing comes less than a month after the owner of a cat in Petts Wood spoke out when her pet was found beheaded in Crest View Drive.

Less than a week later there were reports of another feline also killed this month in Forest Hill, with his owner Sari Joseph appearing on TV to raise awareness of the issue.

Featuring on the Victoria Derbyshire Show, she said finding Buddy’s body was “like something out of a horror movie”.

South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) posted a tribute from Barney’s owners online, describing him as a “much loved and loving cat who adored his family”.

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Barney was found killed in Mottingham. (c.) SNARL/Facebook.

The cat’s mutilated body has been taken for an autopsy as part of the investigation, to determine whether it is linked to the 19 other killings confirmed by the RSPCA.

Orpington cat owner Jean Seager is trying to raise awareness in the community, after the recent killings in the Bromley borough.

The 56-year-old told News Shopper: “I have lived in Orpington for 10 years now, I didn’t know there was anything like this going on, I only knew it was happening in Croydon.

“It can’t just be one person, it’s absolutely unbelievable.

“I just find it very distressing really, that someone can even think in this way.

“They’re not just killing them, they’re taking them apart.

“Someone with that kind of mind set I think is a danger, they should be in prison.”

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Ms Seager, a member of Orpington Cat Rescue, has been delivering leaflets from the organisation, in the hope of raising awareness and ultimately preventing another killing.

Several animal rescue groups have urged cat owners to keep the pets indoors overnight when the majority of the killings have happened.

In January this year, animal charity PETA doubled its reward for information to catch the so-called “cat ripper of Croydon”.

The organisation is offering £5,000 to find the culprit and put an end to the killings PETA Associate Director Elisa Allen said: “It’s imperative that any community faced with such sadistic and violent acts take measures to find the culprit and bring him or her to justice.”

Have you been affected? Get in touch by email – Jessica.bell@london.newsquest.co.uk.