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| Authorities urge San Antonio residents to keep their cats safely indoors. Police are searching for the culprit in a string of cat murders across the city. |
A wave of cat mutilations in San Antonio has prompted city officials to encourage cat owners to keep their pets indoors, as they search for the person responsible for the brutal killing of at least 11 cats in the city.
The cats have been killed using a sharp instrument — such as a scalpel or knife — and the person responsible appears to have some knowledge of anatomy, said San Antonio Animal Care Services Public Information Officer Lisa Norwood. Investigators believe the killings began near the end of September, she said.
The deceased cats have been a combination of strays as well as companion animals. They have been found in secluded locations and in areas of San Antonio where they would be easily discovered.
The number of slain cats may be higher than 11, as other deaths have been reported. However, investigators have yet to officially link any additional cat deaths to this case.
The tip line has been flooded with calls, but no arrests have been made. Investigators are in the process of creating a suspect profile to determine the type of person who would commit this type of crime, Norwood said. In an effort to capture the person responsible, the city has added two animal cruelty investigators to its staff.
Officials recommend keeping cats indoors for safety. Norwood added that owners should take extra precautions and check on their cats frequently if they are allowed to roam outside.
Several organizations are offering rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anyone with information on the cat killings is encouraged to call the tip line at (210) 287-2778. Tipsters may remain anonymous.