WASHINGTON—While investigators seek to solve the mystery of
who, or what, is responsible for mutilating and killing more
than three dozen cats found in Colorado and Utah since last
summer, The HSUS says that the one thing that cat owners can do
immediately to protect their pets from any type of predator is
to keep them safely confined, preferably indoors.
The HSUS, through its Animals In Crises response team, is
also offering to assist police in the Denver Metro area and
Salt Lake City who are investigating whether the cat deaths are
related and how the animals died. Some of the cats have been
found with internal organs missing, others with missing limbs,
some with holes cut out of their sides, and some decapitated.
Dr. Randall Lockwood, HSUS vice president of research and
educational outreach, is the co-author of a forthcoming book on
animal forensics. Lockwood, who has participated in hundreds of
animal cruelty case investigations over the last 30 years,
cautions the public not to draw conclusions in the cat cases
until all the evidence is in.
"Careful forensics work in each case will determine the
cause of death," Lockwood said. "It is not known if all of
these cats were killed by the same perpetrator—human or wild
animal. Forensics testing is the key to eliminate the
likelihood that the cats were killed by dogs or wild animals
such as coyotes, cougars or great horned owls, and to identify
cases that might involve a human assailant," he said.
The HSUS supports the commitment of law enforcement and
local humane societies to investigate these cases. Because
human perpetrators have not been ruled out, The HSUS is adding
$2,500 to the reward for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of any person or persons who are found to be
responsible for the cat killings. Anyone with tips or
information about the cases is asked to contact the Aurora
Police Department at 303-365-2844.
For years The HSUS has educated the public and professionals
alike on the connection between animal cruelty and human
violence through its First Strike® campaign. "Just the
possibility that these deaths may be attributed to a person or
persons has the public justifiably concerned," Lockwood said.
"Cruelty to animals is often a prelude to other criminal acts
where humans are the victims of the violence."
However, Lockwood said it is too soon to state that a
"serial" cat killer is on the loose. He points to the summer of
1989 in Tustin, California where 67 cats were killed within a
three-month period. According to a New York Times article
(8/13/89), most of the carcasses that turned up on lawns in
suburban neighborhoods were often described as being
"dismembered with surgical precision…their blood drained and
organs removed."
Despite strong public belief that "Satanists" were
responsible for the killings, an Orange County veterinarian,
after conducting or reviewing reports of more than 100
necropsies, concluded that the cats were most likely killed by
animals. Lockwood, who has reviewed many animal mutilation
cases, notes that, “It is easy to misinterpret the results of
predator activity since most people have little experience with
how natural predators actually behave in the suburban
environment. When there have been many killings, it is vital to
sort out all the possible causes.”
While the investigation continues, The HSUS has information
that can help cat owners keep their cats safe:
• Cats are exposed to many dangers outside the home. Whether
or not a person is responsible for the Colorado and Utah cat
killings, any cat left to roam outdoors will always be
vulnerable to poisons, disease, animal attacks, animal cruelty,
or being hit by a vehicle.
• Cats can live longer, happier lives indoors or safely
confined while still enjoying the benefits of the outdoors,
according to The HSUS. A screened porch or enclosure, or sunny
window perches can offer stimulation while protecting cats from
danger. Many toys can simulate outdoor play, and cats can also
be trained to walk on a harness and leash. The HSUS offers tips
for cat owners who wish to bring their outdoor cat in at
www.SafeCats.org.
• Feral cat colonies present a different set of issues for a
community. There are humane ways to manage a feral colony. For
more information on cat care and issues facing cats in
communities, visit www.SafeCats.org.
• Start a Neighborhood Watch for Animals program in your
community. Whether it is incorporating animals into existing
Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, or starting a program from
scratch, all you need to do is ask residents to be on the look
out for signs that animals are being abused. The HSUS has free
materials available to get people started on a Neighborhood
Watch for Animals. Visit www.hsus.org/firststrike.
The HSUS Animals In Crises (AIC) program responds when
animals are the victims of cruelty or disasters. The AIC
program works on many fronts to protect animals at risk.
Resources include assisting with investigation and prosecution
of animal cruelty cases, professional training and consulting,
posting rewards to bring animal cruelty offenders to justice,
public educational outreach and Neighborhood Watch for Animals.
AIC is home to The HSUS Disaster Services Program, which
mobilizes the National Disaster Animal Response Team to rescue
animals in need. A major new initiative of The HSUS, Animals In
Crises seeks to measurably decrease the number of animal
cruelty crimes nationwide and raise awareness among all people
to protect animals from violence, neglect and harm.
The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection
organization with over seven million members and constituents.
The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active
programs in companion animals and equine protection; wildlife
and habitat protection; animals in research and farm animals
and sustainable agriculture. For nearly 50 years, The HSUS has
protected all animals through legislation, litigation,
investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The
non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has 10
regional offices across the country. For more information,
visit The HSUS’ Web site – www.hsus.org.
