AWS inspectors investigate gruesome cat killings in Mitchells Plain

The Animal Welfare Society of SA (AWS) has raised concerns over what it has labelled as the “gruesome killings” of cats in Harmony Village, Mitchells Plain.

According to the organisation, its inspectors last week recovered several mauled cat bodies dumped near a children’s play park in the vicinity of Pinecliff and Fawn Roads.

It has noted that the cats were found with multiple deep puncture wounds consistent with dog bites, indicating they endured a violent attack before they died.

While the motive for these killings is still unknown and forensic post-mortem examinations are underway to establish the cause of death, the AWS says the cats may have been used as bait for fighting dogs.

“We have two working theories as to the motive for these gruesome killings. One is that the cats were deliberately set upon by dogs for nefarious reasons and the other is that they may have been used as bait for fighting dogs.”

The organisation says the dumping of the bodies was calculated, deliberate and exceptionally cruel, seemingly to shock, intimidate and traumatise the local community.

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“As with the Manenberg Cat killings in 2021, this was not a random act. It was calculated, deliberate and exceptionally cruel,” it added in a statement

It added that the forensic post-mortem examinations may provide inspectors with additional clues as to who perpetrated these reprehensible crimes.

The organisation has called on anyone who has a missing cat, who saw anything suspicious or who has any information that can help us solve this case to contact Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa or Inspector Crystal Fester on 021 692 2626 | 082 601 1761.