A very horrifying and shocking incident that has shocked humanity has come to light from the country’s financial capital Mumbai. More than 20 voiceless stray and pet cats have been murdered in a suspicious and cruel manner in a major housing society of the city and surrounding open complexes in the last few days. The mutilated bodies of cats being found continuously have shocked the local residents, animal feeders and animal welfare activists. The atmosphere of terror in the area is such that people are considering it as the heinous act of a mentally deranged ‘Cat Serial Killer’, who is systematically preying on the voiceless in the darkness of the night.
The incident came to light when animal lovers who feed street cats every day in the local society found that many cats had suddenly gone missing. During the search, dead bodies of cats started being recovered from the back side of the society, bushes, duct area and deserted parking lot.
According to local animal lovers and NGO workers, the manner of deaths is extremely inhumane and well-planned:
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Many cats have been found with deep wounds caused by sharp weapons, broken bones and decapitation marks.
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Preliminary medical examination and post-mortem reports also suggest that some cats may have been killed by slow poisoning, while some may have been subjected to extreme cruelty.
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Seeing the dead bodies being found one after the other, it is clear that this is not a case of any accident or dog attack, but a deliberate massacre by someone.
Considering the seriousness of the matter and the growing anger of local residents, animal rights activists have lodged a formal complaint with the police.
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Local police against unknown accused Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 An FIR has been registered under Section 11 of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS).
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Police officials have formed a special team to investigate the case.
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All those installed on the society premises, main gate and surrounding roads CCTV cameras (CCTV footage) The night time recordings are being scrutinized to find out which suspicious person is seen luring the cats or throwing suspicious packets late at night.
This incident has increased the concern not only of animal lovers but also of experts in criminology. Forensic psychologists believe that people who show excessive cruelty towards animals often suffer from serious mental disorders. Many notorious serial killers around the world began their violent acts by torturing helpless cats and dogs. If a person with such a distorted mindset is not caught in time, he can later become a major deadly threat to humans and children in the society.
Following the incident, the local Resident Welfare Association (RWA) and animal activists have issued a strict advisory in the area:
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All pet cat owners have been instructed to keep their pets safe indoors and not to roam outside alone until the accused is caught.
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Community feeders are asked to feed cats only in safe areas under their supervision and to immediately remove any unknown food items or suspicious containers.
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If any person is seen tampering or acting suspiciously with cats in the society or on the streets at night, an appeal has been made to immediately inform the local police and security guards.