KENNEWICK, Wash.-- The Kennewick Police Department has been investigating the deaths of several cats, believed to have been the victims of a human predator. However, investigators have released new information Monday, indicating that the deaths were the result of coyotes.


The first cases of mutilated cats were reported the first week of June, with two more cases reported the following week. Animal Control was called out to recover the bodies, and it appeared that the animals had been cut in half with a sharp object.


Kennewick Police sent the remains of seven cats to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine where technicians performed necropsies, and determined that the cats' injuries were consistent with coyote predation.


"Based on this report those cases have been closed," said Lt. Aaron Clem in an press release Monday. "We want to thank everyone who offered their assistance during (the) investigation."


“There are natural predators in our area, coyotes and dogs,” said Debbie Sporcich, Director of the Tri-Cities Animal Shelter, back in June when the dead cats were first discovered. “It’s important to keep cats inside as much as possible, or build them a ‘catio’ so they can be outside but are still protected."


Local businesses have raised $3,000 in reward money for anyone who provided information leading to the arrest of the alleged cat killer. There's no word on what will happen to those funds.

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