12 cats found dead on Summerville property; $5K reward offered for information
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – An investigation is underway in Summerville after more than a dozen animals were found dead on a recently sold property along Drop Off Drive.
Pet Helpers said 12 cats and three possums, part of a monitored cat colony, were discovered scattered throughout the wooded area where they lived.
Lowcountry TNR and Feral Cat Network have been monitoring and caring for the animals. According to Pet Helpers, the groups are "committed to trap-neuter-return efforts" for feral cats in the community.
Stephanie Fauvelle, president and co-founder of the Charleston Animal Legislative Action League, said in an email to News 2 that the cats were found poisoned on the recently sold property. She said the previous owner agreed to sell the land with the "explicit condition that the colony of cats [...] would be cared for." She added that the previous owner was devastated upon learning about the deaths.
According to Pet Helpers, police are actively investigating the incident. The animal shelter is now offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Members of the TNR group are monitoring the area to collect any surviving animals to protect them from further harm. So far, seven additional felines have been found and trapped.
Melissa Susko, executive director of Pet Helpers, called the incident a "heartbreaking and horrifying situation."
"The cruelty inflicted on these innocent animals is beyond comprehension," said Susko. "These cats were being cared for, loved, and looked after by volunteers who had committed their time to helping them. We are committed to seeking justice for these animals and will do everything in our power to ensure those responsible are held accountable. Our thoughts are with the caregivers of this colony, and we hope no more animals are harmed. We urge anyone with information to come forward to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Summerville Police Department's non-emergency line at 843-875-1650
