URGENT UPDATE: A beloved cat named Murphy was found deceased and dumped at a recycling center in Newark, prompting an immediate appeal from the charity Beauty’s Legacy for information that could bring closure to his devastated owners. The grim discovery was made on November 13, when staff at the Household Recycling Centre on Brunel Drive noticed suspicious behavior from a visitor and subsequently uncovered Murphy’s body in a black bag.
Volunteers from Beauty’s Legacy arrived on the scene at 12:30 PM and identified the “clearly well loved” black cat, adorned with a blue collar, through a microchip scan. Authorities believe Murphy may have died as early as 8:30 AM that same day, but likely passed away during mid-morning hours.
Lisa Dean, chief executive and senior animal welfare officer at Beauty’s Legacy, expressed the urgent need for answers. “It was clear he had a home, he had a nice collar on and was in very good condition,” Dean stated. “We just need to know when he died and what happened for the owner’s peace of mind. They’re just devastated and want that closure. It’s shocking, and very very sad.”
In a bid to trace Murphy’s final movements, Beauty’s Legacy is urging residents in the Gardiner Avenue, Goldstraw Lane, Pond Lane, and Johnsons Road areas of Fernwood to check their CCTV and doorbell cameras for any sightings of Murphy or any unusual activity. Anyone with information can contact the charity directly at 07866 026343.
This tragic incident has sparked broader concerns about pet safety and awareness. While it is not legally required to report hitting a cat, as is the case with dogs and livestock, Dean emphasizes the importance of doing so. “It’s really resonated with people who are missing pets, who worry this same thing has happened to their animals. We just don’t want this to happen again,” she added.
The trauma experienced by Murphy’s owners has been agonizing, and the staff at the recycling center were also deeply affected by the discovery. “It must’ve been horrible for them,” Dean remarked.
Beauty’s Legacy is educating the public on the proper steps to take upon discovering a deceased or injured cat. Individuals can take such animals to any veterinary clinic free of charge to be scanned for a microchip, facilitating contact with their owners. Additionally, local authorities and charities like Beauty’s Legacy are available to assist with this process.
As the appeal unfolds, the community is urged to remain vigilant and responsive. The urgency to find answers for Murphy’s owners has never been more critical. This developing story highlights the emotional connections we share with our pets and the need for collective awareness to ensure their safety.
