A sicko serial cat killer has been terrorizing parts of Washington State – carving up at least 13 felines and leaving their mutilated bodies in public places.
Many of the felines have been found in Thurston County with “surgical-type mutilations” from a knife or scalpel, according to local news station WGNTV.
Some were slit down the stomach and had their spines removed before being splayed out in “posed” positions – which could’ve only been done by a person, said Olympia Police Lt. Sam Costello.
In other cases, cats have been dismembered or their organs have been removed and placed next to the body, the New York Times reported.
The gutted felines have been popped up all over the western part of the state since February.
One of the victims, Ollie, fought back when she had her spine ripped out in the beginning of August in West Olympia, according to the Times. Her nails are being tested.
The perp also left behind a surgical glove near Tubby the cat, who was found dead in Olympia.
The latest of the doomed kitties was discovered Thursday in Thurston County. Another was also found in Thurston at a place of business on Tuesday.
One of the victims was Kathy Harrigan’s 20-year-old cat named Harley, who was deaf.
“He didn’t want to be indoors, so (he) lived in our yard,” she told USA Today. “He was deaf and lacked muscle tone; disliked people but came to love my husband and myself, as we loved him.”
She added: “It is heartbreaking that he was killed and hurt in the way he was.”
Forensic and neuropsychologist Kenneth Muscatel told the network that someone is deliberately planning the killings.
“It’s disturbing and scary stuff, because the question is not only what happens to the animals who are victimized, which is very disturbing, but (also) making sure this behavior doesn’t escalate,” said Muscatel. “Likely, the individual is not a successful or highly-engaged individual with society and this is a way of feeling … attention.”
Authorities are offering a $36,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the cat killer. The kitty crime spree is being investigated by a major crimes detective with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, as well as other agencies.
