At least five cats have been found cut in half in three neighbouring B.C. communities over the past two months, according to police.
In September, three cats were found sliced precisely down the middle in White Rock and South Surrey. The month before, two cats were killed in exactly the same way in the Brookswood area of Langley.
"It makes one wonder why anyone would treat any animal in this way," RCMP Sgt. Peter Thiessen said.
"It is quite disturbing that someone could actually physically cut a cat in half."
Both police and the B.C. SPCA believe the cats were killed by people -- not other animals.
"It's quite disgusting to think that someone is actually doing this. The fact of the matter is that animals are very trusting and for a cat to go up to somebody and for this type of event to happen is just unbelievable," animal protection officer Eileen Drever told CTV News.
The attacks come on the heels of similar cat mutilations in Kelowna and Edmonton this summer. So far, there are no explanations or arrests.
"I would recommend you keep your cat indoors. Cats live longer lives -- healthier lives -- indoors than outdoors," Drever said.
Anyone with information about the cat killings is asked to call the RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Julia Foy
