Pet Cat Mutilated, Left Outside Owner's Home
Thursday, July 18, 2002
BY ASHLEY BROUGHTON
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
Salt Lake County Animal Services is investigating the apparent mutilation death of a cat whose body was left outside its home where its owner would find it.
Katy Bonacci, who lives near H Street in the Avenues, made the grisly discovery Wednesday, said Temma Martin, animal services spokeswoman. The body of her 7-year-old neutered male cat, George, lay across the street. A hole larger than a tennis ball had been cut in his side with "great precision," Martin said; the cat's intestines had been laid out a few feet away and its heart was missing.
Bonacci told officers she last saw George when she let him out at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Investigators concluded the cat likely died from a blow to the head with a blunt object, Martin said. No blood was found nearby, so officers believe the cat was removed from the scene and returned.
"One possible explanation is that it could be the act of someone dabbling in satanism," Martin said.
Dabblers are more likely to have returned the cat 's body than true satanists, who are secretive, according to Martin.
"We have no idea what we're dealing with. All we can really do is ask that if anybody has heard anything, or any neighbors saw a vehicle, let us know," Martin said. Those with information can call the Salt Lake County Sheriff's 24-hour dispatch number: 743-7045.
Though grieving, Bonacci immediately began encouraging pet owners to keep their animals inside, Martin said. "She had no idea this could happen. We're hoping this is just an isolated incident, and not the beginning of a pattern."
Thursday, July 18, 2002
BY ASHLEY BROUGHTON
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
Salt Lake County Animal Services is investigating the apparent mutilation death of a cat whose body was left outside its home where its owner would find it.
Katy Bonacci, who lives near H Street in the Avenues, made the grisly discovery Wednesday, said Temma Martin, animal services spokeswoman. The body of her 7-year-old neutered male cat, George, lay across the street. A hole larger than a tennis ball had been cut in his side with "great precision," Martin said; the cat's intestines had been laid out a few feet away and its heart was missing.
Bonacci told officers she last saw George when she let him out at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Investigators concluded the cat likely died from a blow to the head with a blunt object, Martin said. No blood was found nearby, so officers believe the cat was removed from the scene and returned.
"One possible explanation is that it could be the act of someone dabbling in satanism," Martin said.
Dabblers are more likely to have returned the cat 's body than true satanists, who are secretive, according to Martin.
"We have no idea what we're dealing with. All we can really do is ask that if anybody has heard anything, or any neighbors saw a vehicle, let us know," Martin said. Those with information can call the Salt Lake County Sheriff's 24-hour dispatch number: 743-7045.
Though grieving, Bonacci immediately began encouraging pet owners to keep their animals inside, Martin said. "She had no idea this could happen. We're hoping this is just an isolated incident, and not the beginning of a pattern."
