Mutilated cats have been discovered in a Deltona neighborhood, alarming residents who believe these deaths are not accidents or the work of other animals, but the actions of a person.
The area has a significant population of stray cats, many of which are cared for by locals who provide them with food. The cats’ bodies have been found near the homes of those who often feed them, leading neighbors to fear someone may be sending a disturbing message.
Courtney Byrd, a resident, clarified that the neighborhood is not overrun with cats; the animals roaming around have been part of a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program. “I’ve been working with the county for quite some time with the TNR program,” she explained.
All four of the cats that were killed had black fur. One was found on Halloween, with its body slit open. This past Saturday, another was discovered in the street with similar injuries. Two more cats were found nearby with blunt force trauma to their heads.
Neighbors noticed there was no blood around the bodies, which has led them to believe the cats were killed elsewhere and then placed in front of the homes of those who typically feed them.
Byrd shared her distress: “To now know that I’m living in an area where someone could do this—I have lost sleep the last two days. I had an anxiety attack. We’re all sick over it.”
Another resident, Jennifer McKane, recalled how her son first spotted one of the mutilated cats on Saturday morning and warned her not to go outside. “I was hysterical,” she said, adding that she’s stopped feeding the cats out of fear.
Deltona Animal Control is investigating, with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office also assisting. However, many residents are worried that harming cats could be just the beginning. “If you can hurt an innocent creature that is not doing anything to anyone, what could you do to a human being?” wondered Michelle Campos, a local who also cares for the cats.
Several neighbors have security cameras, but they were either off or malfunctioning when the bodies appeared. Despite this, the community remains hopeful that someone may find video evidence that could help solve the case.
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