6 cat heads found in York Region

York regional police are investigating a “disturbing case” of animal cruelty after the heads of six cats were found near Tenth Line and Main Street in Whitchurch-Stouffville.

The heads were found within a one-kilometre area of the intersection over a one-month period beginning on Aug. 12, Const. Andy Pattenden said during a news conference on Thursday. These incidents are not believed to be accidental or the result of a predatory animal, he said.

“It’s six very similar incidents which is causing the concern,” he said.

The first cat head was discovered along with two cat legs at Montreal and Stouffer streets near a daycare, he said. The other incidents occurred on Sept. 5, 8, 9, 11 and 13, and in those incidents only cat heads were found at either a residential laneway or on a curb.

In all the incidents there was no sign of blood or torso and the heads appear to have been placed, suggesting to police they were intentional dismemberments.

Police, the Ontario SPCA and the Whitchurch-Stouffville Bylaw Department are asking  the public to come forward with any tips. They don’t know who the cats belonged or whether they were domesticated or feral animals.

During the news conference, a woman, Gerri Robertson came forward to report a possible seventh incident. Police are investigating that case.

Peter Archibald told CityNews this is “your classic build up to a psychopath, which is, this is Stouffville. We don’t have that.”

Christine McNeil said, “I’m actually quite freaked out because there’s been a few, right?”

Police are asking pet owners to keep their animals indoors. If an owner’s pet has gone missing, contact the Georgina Animal Control at (800) 898.8606.

Pattenden said police are trying to find out what happened so they can bring an end to it and bring the suspect to justice.

The OSPCA’s Brad Dewar said a person convicted under the OSCPA act could face two years in prison, a maximum fine of $60,000 and a lifetime ban on owning or caring for an animal. He also said the person could also face animal cruelty charges under the Canadian Criminal Code.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today