MUMBAI, (India): At least 20 cats were found dead and mutilated in Mumbai’s Chembur area, prompting police to register an FIR and launch an investigation into a series of suspected attacks on stray animals.
The incidents were reported from the Panjarapole-Kamakhyawadi area, where several cats and kittens were found with serious injuries, particularly to their heads.
Animal rights organisation PETA India has described the incidents as a suspected case involving a serial cat killer or killers, according to the India Today report.
Animal feeder discovers dead cats
The complaint was filed by 53-year-old Rubeena Abdul Malik Pathan, who has been feeding stray cats and helping arrange their treatment in the area for the past five to six years.
Pathan told police that she found four dead cats in the area on Sept 3. She took photographs of the bodies on her mobile phone and kept the images as evidence.
On the morning of Sept 6, she returned to the area near the Shani temple to feed the stray cats. She then found a cat and a kitten lying dead in a pool of blood.
Both animals had suffered serious injuries to their heads. The nature of the wounds suggested that they may have been attacked with a heavy or sharp object.
The repeated incidents raised concerns among animal feeders and residents that someone could be deliberately attacking the stray cats.
Cats’ bodies sent for post-mortem
After finding the animals, Pathan contacted PETA India and other animal welfare groups for help.
Following advice from PETA India, the bodies of the cat and kitten found on September 6 were taken to an animal hospital in Parel for post-mortem examinations.
With the help of animal lover Pooja Srivastava, Pathan later approached the RCF police station and filed a formal complaint.
Police registered an FIR against an unidentified person under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and other relevant sections. Investigators are now working to identify the person or persons behind the deaths.
PETA announces Rs 50,000 reward
PETA India has urged police to take quick action and examine CCTV footage from the area to identify the person responsible.
The organisation said the discovery of nearly 20 cats that were either found dead or mutilated has caused concern among residents and people who feed stray animals in the area.
PETA India has offered a reward of up to Rs 50,000 for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible.
Animal welfare groups have also asked police to determine whether the different incidents are connected and investigate how the cats and kittens died.
The investigation is underway. Police are expected to examine CCTV footage, statements from witnesses and other available evidence to identify the person or persons responsible for the attacks. - The Statesman/ANN
