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Invercargill police are searching for a 'demented' person who mutilated a cat, drawing satanic symbols on a wall in its blood.
The cat's body, decapitated head and severed limbs were found at Turnbull Thomson park yesterday evening.
Above the body the number 666 and an upside down cross had been drawn in blood.
SPCA Southland chairwoman Rachel Hucklebridge told the Southland Times it was a sickening act and she suspected young people were involved.
"The sad thing is, if this is the mentality of these kids now then later in life it could be a little old lady or their partners who are the victims so it's quite important these kids are dealt with. I just hope someone comes forward with some names and we get the little buggers."
Senior Sergeant Richard McPhail told the newspaper such cruel and ritualistic attacks were a rare occurrence in Invercargill.
"It's obviously some very, very demented person," he said.
Police are calling for anyone with information to contact them.
- NZPA
