HSUS Adds to Reward, Offers Assistance with Cat Mutilation Case

The Humane Society of the United States
Wednesday, 2 July 2003

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.

For more information, or to contact The Humane Society of the United States, see their website at: www.hsus.org