20 cats found mutilated in Mumbai's residential area, PETA offers Rs 50,000 for info

An FIR has been registered after stray cats and kittens were found dead and mutilated in Chembur. The case has alarmed local feeders and residents, with PETA India offering a reward and seeking CCTV scrutiny.

In Short

• A local feeder documented multiple carcasses after repeated discoveries since 3 September
• Two more animals were later found near the Shani temple bloodied
• Head injuries suggested the cats may have been attacked with objects

An FIR has been registered after a number of stray cats and kittens were found dead and mutilated in Mumbai's Chembur area, with animal rights organisation PETA India describing the incident as a case involving a suspected serial cat killer or killers.

The incidents were reported from the Panjarapole-Kamakhyawadi area, where several stray cats were found with severe injuries to their heads.

According to PETA India, nearly 20 cats have been found dead or mutilated in the area, raising concerns among animal feeders and residents about repeated attacks on stray animals.

PETA India has announced a reward of up to Rs 50,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the killings.

ANIMAL FEEDER FINDS CATS DEAD

The complaint was filed by 53-year-old Rubeena Abdul Malik Pathan, who has been feeding and helping treat stray cats in the area for the past five to six years.

According to the complaint, Pathan first found four cats dead in the area on September 3. She photographed the bodies on her mobile phone and preserved the images.

Three days later, on the morning of September 6, Pathan went to the area near the Shani temple to feed the cats. She found another cat and a kitten lying dead and covered in blood.

The animals had suffered severe injuries to their heads, with the wounds indicating that they had been struck with a heavy or sharp object.

The repeated deaths prompted concerns that the animals were being deliberately targeted.

BODIES SENT FOR POST-MORTEM

Pathan subsequently contacted PETA India and other animal welfare groups for assistance. Following advice from the organisation, the bodies of the two cats found on September 6 were taken to an animal hospital in Parel for post-mortem examination and further investigation.

With assistance from animal lover Pooja Srivastava, Pathan then approached the RCF police station and submitted a formal complaint.

Police registered an FIR against an unidentified person under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and other relevant legal sections. An investigation has been launched to identify the person or persons responsible for the deaths.

PETA OFFERS REWARDS FOR INFORMATION

PETA India has called for swift action in the case and urged the authorities to examine CCTV footage from the area to identify the perpetrator.

The organisation said the discovery of nearly 20 dead or mutilated cats has caused considerable concern among local animal feeders and residents. PETA India has offered a reward of up to Rs 50,000 for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible.

Animal welfare advocates have also urged the police to examine whether the incidents are connected and to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the cats and kittens.

The investigation is currently underway, and police are expected to examine available CCTV footage, witness accounts and other evidence from the area as they work to establish who was responsible for the attacks.

- Ends
With Ajaz Khan inputs