Mutilated Cats Discovered: $9,000 Reward for Culprit's Arrest
Three cruelly mutilated feral cats were discovered in a residential Patchogue neighborhood. These are just the most recent in a rash of animal mutilations in Suffolk County, several of which were ritualistic in nature.
The Suffolk County SPCA and Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives are seeking information from the public to help identify the individual(s) responsible for brutally torturing and killing a 4–6-month-old kitten and an adult cat found on an East Patchogue resident’s lawn in the vicinity of Corbin Avenue on October 10. A third cat was found disemboweled on Monday, November 2 approximately 450 feet from where the first two cats were discovered. Evidence found near the third cat suggests it was thrown over a fence.
Results from a necropsy are pending.
RELATED: Suffolk SPCA Responds to Rash of Ritualistic Animal Killings
“This is a vicious, heinous act of animal cruelty and how anyone could do this to these innocent cats is beyond reason,” Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk County SPCA said in a statement, adding that studies have shown that acts of violence, such as this, toward animals can be a precursor to violence against humans.
The Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. In addition, the Suffolk County SPCA is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, and the New York State Humane Association (NYSHA) is pledging a $1,000 reward upon arrest and conviction. An anonymous donor has also offered a $1,000 reward bringing the total reward amount to $9,000.
Since cats are companion animals, the perpetrator(s) of this crime is facing felony animal cruelty charges.
Anyone with information should contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.