Reward offered in case of mutilated cats

PORTLAND, Ore. – Five cats – four of them kittens – were found dead from obvious torture in two different locations at Portland State University in the span of a month, officials announced Monday, and investigators are trying to track down the culprit.

According to the Oregon Humane Society, four 3-month-old kittens were found mutilated next to the campus library in April. Then on May 29, an adult male black and white cat was found just a few blocks away next to a portable toilet. That cat had been neutered, indicating to officials that it belonged to someone and was not a stray.

"Their bodies were further purposefully mutilated or taken apart," said Dr. Kris Otteman of the local humane society. "I don't think you would ever expect or get used to seeing something like this."

Authorities said they did not know if the cats lived in the area or were taken there from another location.

Investigators said the wounds on all five cats were similar, and they believe the heinous crime was done by the same person. They fear more could happen.

"Crimes against animals are closely linked to crimes against people so we always have those concerns in our minds as well," Otteman said.

The Oregon Humane Society is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprit or culprits. Anyone with information can call a tip hotline at (503) 285-7722 , ext. 412.

Aggravated animal abuse, which is defined as maliciously killing, or intentionally or knowingly torturing an animal, is a felony in Oregon, punishable by up to five years in jail and a $125,000 fine.

Officials also want people to keep an eye on their pets and report anything suspicious, especially if it involves strange activity involving cats.