Another dead cat surfaces in East Naples

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- Another dead cat has turned up in East Naples after weeks of quiet near Estey Avenue.

“Nothing has happened since the signs have gone down, the police have been patrolling,” said Susie Mehas who has met with some of the victim’s owners. “Animals can’t read the verbiage.”

The latest cat’s back half was found in the Industrial Park behind Michelbob’s. The report suggests an animal killed the cat. It’s also what a forensic vet determined in the case of nine other cats that were found cut in half in the area.

“In the report, it mentions there were teeth marks, splitting of the bone– evidence that would suggest that this was a predatory attack,” said Daniel Christenbury who is the spokesperson for Domestic Animal Services.

But the community near Estey Avenue still fears a person is killing the cats.

“These were people’s pets– that would of come to a person,” said Mehas.

She says the area has a feral cat population but none of those cats have been killed and left in residential areas. Mehas has spoken to a number of the owners and says in one case the cat was strangled.

“The bulging eyes and the open mouth is a form of strangulation,” said Mehas. “I just always prayed the animals were dead before they were cut in half.”

Mehas adds there are numerous reasons the community doesn’t believe the forensic reports. She says there is no blood at the scene and clean direct cuts– to name a few.

“There are a lot of people not buying the theory.”

The community is continuing to keep an eye out and the Naples Cat Alliance is still offering a $5,000 reward.