Cats mutilated by coyotes - not humans - says SPCA

Two dozen mutilated cats found in Maple Ridge and Langley were likely killed by animal predatorsnot humans as previously suspecteda forensic investigation has concluded.

The B.C. SPCAhad been warning the publicfor monthsthat that somebody was chopping up the cats and deliberately placing them on the doorsteps of neighbourhood homes.

But on Friday the animal welfare agency said after working with aforensic veterinarian, they concluded the cats likely fell victim to coyotes or other animal predators.

Dr. Melinda Merck evaluated 30 animals in total, including 20 cats, eight birds, one rabbit and one dog.

Merck said the difference between knife cuts and coyote bites is very subtle and it is not unusual for predatorsto leave"very disturbing parts behind."

"It's not unusual for people to think humans are involved," she said.

Five of the cases are still under review, but B.C. SPCA spokeswoman Eileen Drever said she was happy to learn the mutilations weren't human-caused.

"In my 32 years, we've never had a cluster of cases like this," said Drever. "I was so relieved. I was scared really. But it's not over, because we need to find out what animal it was."

When asked if the SPCA had acted properly by issuing repeatedwarnings that they suspected a human was responsible for the mutilations, Drever said the agency had a responsiblity to investigate and reportthe information they had at the time.