Charges laid in 'reprehensible' case after dead cats found under bridge: Winnipeg police
Winnipeg man, 24, faces 3 charges of killing or injuring an animal after cats found under Summit Road bridge
WARNING: This story contains disturbing details.
A 24-year-old man faces multiple animal cruelty-related charges after the bodies of several cats were found under a west Winnipeg bridge on three different dates last month.
The cats were all found under a bridge north of Summit Road and Saskatchewan Avenue, near the western edge of the city, by area residents who contacted the police on Dec. 8, 28 and 30.
Police believe the man lured the cats or acquired them through social media, then inflicted the injuries that ultimately resulted in their deaths, Const. Dani McKinnon said a news conference Tuesday. They allege he then discarded their bodies under the bridge.
"They were tortured and they were killed, and it's absolutely reprehensible," the police spokesperson said.
McKinnon said while police originally had reported six cats were found, the actual number was undetermined, and now three cats have been confirmed.
"At the end of the day, it's not determined how many cats were really there," McKinnon said.
While there have been "disturbing" reports of cases of animal cruelty in recent months, they are all separate incidents and not related, she said.
"I do believe it's happenstance. I don't think that they're related and I don't want to say there's a trend of animal killings going up," McKinnon said.
The circumstances of the deceased cats found in September around Point Douglas are still being investigated, and police have not established a link with these latest cat killings, McKinnon said.
The 24-year-old was identified as a suspect by the Winnipeg police major crimes unit and arrested Friday evening at his home.
He faces three charges of killing or injuring an animal and has been released on an undertaking.
McKinnon said while community cat advocacy groups have been helpful in bringing awareness to the public and posting information about how to keep pets safe, any vigilantism will not be tolerated.
Individuals who have gathered evidence or believe they have identified suspects should reach out to police, make an anonymous tip or make a report, McKinnon said.
People with information can contact major crimes investigators at 204-986-6219. People can also leave a tip with Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.