Central Alberta Humane Society staff were deeply upset to find out one of the cats that was attacked and killed this week was adopted from the shelter.
“Our staff here are aware of this situation and we are all appalled, saddened and extremely concerned,” said executive director Eve Sira in an email. “One of the cats killed (Samson) was adopted from CA Humane, and the owner has been in contact with us to remain vigilant.
“We are anticipating that the individual doing this is found and dealt with quickly.”
Red Deer RCMP was called on its non-emergency line that someone had attacked and killed a cat. When an officer was sent to investigate at a Michener Hill-area home on Wednesday evening the cat owner said there had been other incidents.
A neighbour’s cat had been attacked within the last day and another about a week earlier. One of those cats was so badly injured it had to be put down.
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RCMP warn pet owners after cat attacks
The attacks against three cats, two of which died, is “troubling” but an isolated incident, says an Alberta Animal Services bylaw officer.
Animal Services bylaw officer Keagan Floch said he has not heard of anything like this previously in Red Deer.
“It’s a troubling incident and fairly disturbing,” he said.
“This is definitely not something that’s brought to our attention at all. There have really been no calls about this in the past.”
Alberta Animal Services is keeping the cats’ remains until their owners can arrange to have them cremated.
All investigation is in the incidents is in the hands of the police, said Floch.
“It’s obviously upsetting and we want people to take precautions to keep their animals safe moving forward.”
He recommends cat owners keep their cats on their property, either inside the home or in an outdoor enclosure.
“We tell people to make sure that their cat is wearing identification. That way, we can identify their cat or their neighbours can identify their cat if the cat — or their dog for that matter — gets out.
Sira agreed that, thankfully, incidents like the recent attacks are extremely rare in central Alberta.
The humane society also would like to see people keep their pets close and not allowed to roam.
”We also encourage people not to let their cats free-roam neighborhoods at any time for their safety not just from horrific situations like this, but also from vehicles, machinery, predators and disease,” said Sira.
On Thursday afternoon, RCMP appealed to the public for any information on the attacks. Since then, an additional tip had been received as of Friday morning and an officer will be following up, said a police spokesperson.
Any who believe they have any information about this incident should call Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), on line at www.p3tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play store.
Police are also encouraging residents to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe.