LAKE CLARK SHORES, Fla. — Lake Clark Shores police have launched an investigation after three to four cats were recently found dead.
Investigators said the cats appeared to have been shot and were found in water near the intersection of Carambola Road and Carambola Circle.
“They just disappeared, never to be seen again. We were hoping for some closure,” said Debbie Hyatt, owner of several of the cats found dead. “Two over Christmas, then three in a row. We've lost four in the last three weeks.”
Hyatt said her home is a sanctuary for cats who need care until they can be found.
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“I think what's going to happen is they're going to get shot in the back and be paralyzed and thrown into the canal,” Hiatt said. “I'm worried about the child outside of her. Whenever I bring her in, she always finds her way out.”
Lake Clark Shores Police have confirmed that multiple cats have been found dead in the same manner, after other cats were reported missing along Carambola Road. We are conducting an investigation.
“(Neighbors) should do their best to keep the animal indoors,” said Mike Bredeweg, owner of a cat named Gray who has been missing since April 1. I know it's really difficult.”
Bredeweg has installed “missing cat” signs in the neighborhood, as well as warning signs alerting pet owners to what's known as Carambola cat killing.
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“This isn't the only cat you have, right?” asked WPTV reporter Joel Lopez.
“No, there are two more,” Bredeweig said.
“Are you worried about those things?” Lopez asked.
“Yeah, we're getting paranoid now because our youngest wants to bolt every time we open the door,” Bredeweg said.
She said her family rescued their cat, Gray, three years ago, and the pet always returns home before the end of the night.
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He suspects that Gray is the latest victim in the carambola cat murder case.
“When I wake up to his cries, I know he's here,” Bredeweg said. “When they are taken away, it feels like when a human being is taken away.”
Lake Clark Shores Police said they have a person of interest, but the case is still under investigation.
They said whoever was responsible could face animal cruelty charges and more charges depending on the firearm used to kill the cat.
“We have to figure it out,” Breneweg said. “We have to find a way to catch the person who is doing this.”
