">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
20 cat deaths leave Fla. communities worried
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
20 cat deaths leave Fla. communities worried
By SARAH LARIMER,Associated Press Writer AP - Thursday, June 11
MIAMI - The black cat's body was found in the grass, just feet from the hedges where she slept each day.
ADVERTISEMENT
Miss Kitty was still warm to the touch when the South Florida couple who cared for her found her in the yard next door. Her head was smashed and her back legs skinned, like pieces of chicken in a grocer's freezer. And she was not the only one to suffer such a fate.
Horrified owners have been finding their cats killed and mutilated for the past month in two south Miami-Dade County communities. Many of the cats were missing fur and appeared to have been cut with a sharp, straight instrument, police said. In all, investigators are looking into about two dozen deaths, with enough evidence to try to prosecute at least 15 of the cases.
"Every time I hear about someone else, I'm in their shoes and I see my cat again," said Mary Lou Shad, who fed and cared for Miss Kitty with her husband for the past year. Although the cat was feral, they considered her their pet.
"I feel terrorized to the point where everywhere I go, I'm looking for dead cats on the side of the road," Shad said.
Investigators don't yet know who or what is behind the gruesome cat deaths in Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay, but owners are keeping their pets inside, raising reward money and warily eyeing strangers.
Police spokeswoman Rebeca Perez said the manner of death indicates a person killed the animals, and that the deaths could be linked. So far, there's no indication the killer or killers plan to attack people.
Whoever's responsible "hasn't given any indication that this is some sort of a threat where this person's going to commit these crimes against a human being," Perez said.
The Shads' canary-colored home sits in a calm suburban neighborhood of small one-story houses, neat lawns and caring neighbors. There is a school nearby and a park with swings and playground equipment. An ice cream truck rumbles through, its tune echoing down the streets.
But the apparent tranquility belies residents' anger and fear.
"Be aware that there is a psychopathic coward, killing cats," reads one poster taped to a neighborhood street sign.
The sign is not far from the home of 68-year-old Barbara Wiesinger, whose cat, Cami, was found in a neighbor's yard this month. Wiesinger said she saw the calico's fur poking up in a patch of grass. She immediately knew her pet was dead.
"This is not an accident. This is somebody sick," she said.
Allison Smith, who watched her 4-year-old son and her 6-year-old nephew play barefoot in the local park on a muggy afternoon this week, said she recently called the police to her Palmetto Bay home after she found bowls in her front yard. She worried someone might be trying to lure out her two cats, Marvin and Molly, but the bowls simply belonged to a neighbor. Still, she is keeping the cats inside.
"They were inside-outside," Smith said. "But not anymore."
Louis B. Schlesinger, a professor of forensic psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, said residents should be cautious, even if initial signs don't indicate humans are in danger. He said the man believed to the "Boston Strangler" also shot cats with arrows.
"This should be taken as seriously as could possibly be," he said.
Local authorities are urging pet owners to keep their animals indoors. A tip line has also been established, and local organizations have contributed thousands in reward money for information would helps lead to the arrest of the culprit.
A month ago, 42-year-old Alicia Glatzer's husband found their cat, Sarah, outside their Palmetto Bay home. The cat had been skinned and half of her face was missing. The family initially thought that the cat had been hit by a car, but a week later learned of the other killings.
These days, Glatzer looks at people's hands and arms for scratch marks. She hopes for a stronger police presence in their neighborhood after what happened to Sarah, a pretty white cat with a black and tan tail that adopted the family about three years ago.
"I'm afraid that we are going to be prey," Glatzer said. "Our cats have fallen to prey. Who's to say that we are not next?"
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
US Supreme Court clears way for Chrysler-Fiat dealAFP - Wednesday, June 10
US eyes Pacific to resettle Uighur detaineesAP - Wednesday, June 10
Globe union moves to block 23 percent wage cutAP - Wednesday, June 10
NY school official wrestles gun from ex-policemanAP - Wednesday, June 10
Blagojevich to mock himself in improv comedy showAP - Wednesday, June 10
Most Popular – World
Viewed
German retail giant goes bust, 43,000 jobs at risk
Carradine may have died from sex act: Thai police
President Obama's French food tested by 'taster'
Susan Boyle out of London clinic: brother
10 banks cleared to repay US Treasury 68 bln dlrs
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Wednesday, 10 June 2009 Iraqi accused in 5 US soldier deaths freed
Picasso drawings stolen from Paris museum
T-Mobile USA probes claim its network was hacked
Iranian cleric slams Ahmadinejad "fabrications"
World getting 'very close' to swine flu pandemic: WHO
Militants attack Pakistani hotel, 5 dead, 25 injured
| International
|
Microsoft's Bing makes early gains: study
Iraq prisoner release brings hope for British hostages
10 banks cleared to repay US Treasury 68 bln dlrs
Crisis-hit Croatia steps up tourist promotion
German retail giant goes bust, 43,000 jobs at risk
California schoolbooks going digital
WHO on verge of declaring H1N1 flu pandemic
| International
|
Global chip foundry sales to rise: iSuppli
China Internet software rule's 'impact unclear'
Russia drops unilateral WTO bid for ex-Soviet pact
| International
|
Iranian cleric slams Ahmadinejad fabrications
| International
|
US climate envoy in China on emissions cuts
At 85, George H.W. Bush plans another skydive
Bomb at luxury hotel in Pakistan kills at least 5
Army closing some special care units
New US forces in Afghanistan to be 'game changer'
Pollution experts: Save fish from drugs in water
Five killed and 25 hurt in Pakistani blast
Police: 2 teens killed to escape NY halfway house
Pakistani officials: Huge bomb at Peshawar hotel
Length of China quarantine uncertain for La. mayor
Seven dead, 34 injured in NW Pakistan hotel blast: officials
Guantanamo al Qaeda suspect in New York for trial
AP NewsAlert
Pentagon: Next 18 months key to Afghan victory
Microsoft reports record number of security flaws
| Technology
|
Bomb at Pakistani hotel, casualties reported
Excerpts of cockpit, radio flight communications
New Google tool targets Microsoft business users
| Technology
|
Maldives sets up zones to protect whale sharks
US eyes South Pacific to resettle Uighur detainees
U.N. powers close to deal on N.Korea sanctions
Defendants in German attacks plot trial say will confess
Microsoft's Bing makes early gains: study
| Technology
|
Indian air force plane missing with 12 on board
Google CEO says looking to buy smaller firms
| Technology
|
IBM aims to bolster partnerships amid weak economy
| Technology
|
T-Mobile USA probes claim its network was hacked
| Technology
|
Honda revved into US bike market 50 years ago
SKorea's Hyundai completes world's biggest oil platform
IMF hails China move to purchase bonds
GM launches clean fuel Spark compact car in India
China's auto sales soar 34% in May
Hollywood revving up DeLorean biopic
Idol runner-up Adam Lambert: I'm gay
| Entertainment
|
Britney Spears announces first tour in Australia
| Entertainment
|
'Perfect Storm' skipper fined for illegal fishing
Natalie Cole to resume singing tour after surgery
| Entertainment
|
Webby winners take awards with 5-word speeches
Marva Wright hospitalized after stroke
Alan Jackson celebrates 20 years with free show
Gypsy film festival kicks off in Salzburg
Taiwan president suggests using simplified Chinese characters
Britain's Blair launches global faith education project
Tiny Estonia tunes up for giant national-pride choir
Ex-Cirque du Soleil genius offers peek at new Macau special
Suriname acquits singer in Toni Braxton case
Bodies from Air France disaster being found
A look at Iran's presidential candidates
Russia says expecting new North Korea missile test
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
US Supreme Court clears way for Chrysler-Fiat deal
Tough-talking Medvedev visits turbulent region
Israeli Christians: Oil-streaked icon 'miracle'
Militants attack Pakistani hotel; 5 dead, 70 hurt
| International
|
Justice wants publisher information on Google deal: report
Past Iran president warns top leader before vote
Top judge in Russia's volatile Ingushetia shot dead
| International
|
IT staff snooping on colleagues on rise: survey
Iranian cleric slams Ahmadinejad "fabrications"
Air France to replace speed sensors now: union
| International
|
US parents rearing a gadget generation: NPD Group
WHO on verge of declaring H1N1 flu pandemic
| International
|
Microsoft, Adobe warn of critical security flaws
U.S. envoy assures Israel of strong alliance
U.S. envoy assures Israel of strong alliance
| International
|
Google Apps synch to Microsoft Outlook email
Venezuelan slang key to bawdy Chavez's success
| International
|
Google CEO says looking to buy smaller firms
Arms dealers revel in Somali war business
| International
|
Russia drops unilateral WTO bid for ex-Soviet pact
| International
|
New Google tool targets Microsoft business users
Most Americans phone while driving despite dangers
Bing luring Internet searchers: comScore
US parents rearing a gadget generation: NPD Group
Aussie PM targeted over shaky slang
IT staff snooping on colleagues on rise: survey
| Technology
|
Palau agrees to take Uighur Guantanamo detainees
Crews search for missing helicopter in New Mexico
IT firms urge China to reconsider filter
| Technology
|
China, Taiwan to build undersea cable
Texas governor breaks collarbone in bike accident
Web 2.0 crowned one millionth English word
| Technology
|
Redford honors consumer advocate Joan Claybrook
China confirms 12 more cases of swine flu
Australian PM warns against vigilante response
Chevron pumping station in Nigeria on fire: rebels
Justice wants publisher information on Google deal: report
| Technology
|
15 dead in Pakistan hotel blast, Taliban blamed
N.Korea blames S.Korea leader for activist suicide
Suspect: Recruiting center shootings justified
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
China state TV to revamp staid news broadcast
China plans new terracotta warrior dig
US plane with bathroom fire diverts to Halifax
Administration to issue new Wall Street pay curbs
Suspect may have contacted other pregnant women
Hollywood actors approve new contract
Actors union members approve studio contract
Natalie Cole to resume singing tour after surgery
China: consumer prices fourth straight month drop
China eyes 20 pct renewable energy by 2020: report
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Philippine exports plunge 35.2 pct in April: govt
Idol runner-up Adam Lambert says he's gay
| Entertainment
|
"Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert says he's gay
S.Korea planning bi-monthly treasury buyback-source
Film aims to expose dangers in U.S. food industry
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood actors approve new contract
China's consumer prices fall for 4th month
Two Tony-nominated Broadway shows to close
| Entertainment
|
Hollywood actors approve new labor contract
| Entertainment
|
Bee Gees singer lends voice to copyright fight
Japan wholesale prices drop, machinery orders down
Stars urged to deliver uplifting entertainment
| Entertainment
|
Blagojevich to mock himself in improv comedy show
Korea Hot Stocks
Futurama has new future on Comedy Central
| Entertainment
|
Bollywood takes pitch to casino enclave Macau
Actors union members approve studio contract offer
S.Korea govt bonds rebound before data, rate vote
"Futurama" has new future on Comedy Central
Seoul shares open higher led by technology issues
NZ terms of trade fall sharply in Q1
Tyson marries in Vegas 2 weeks after child's death
Stars urged to deliver uplifting entertainment
Kadhafi to pitch tent in Rome on landmark visit
Israeli woman mistakenly junks $1 million mattress
Monitor leader TPV aims low with cheap "nettop" PCs
Car bomb rips through south Iraq market, 33 killed
| International
|
Ramsay eats humble pie after mum scolds him
Iraq market bombing kills 19: hospital
Japan prepares robots to take over the kitchen
Army repels Taliban in NW Pakistan after hotel blast
| International
|
Car bomb kills 33 at southern Iraq market
IT firms urge China to reconsider filter
Iraq market bombing kills 19
Web 2.0 crowned one millionth English word
For some Tehran youth, vote is a chance to party
North Korea faces new sanctions, may test missile
| International
|
Barak urges PM to accept Palestinian state principle
French submarine begins black box crash search
| International
|
U.S. troop build-up in Afghanistan on track: NATO
| International
|
Taliban chief, 16 militants killed: US military
Gaddafi in first visit to ex-colonial power Italy
| International
|
Abuse victims march in Dublin to demand justice
| International
|
Report: Climate change adding to migration
Russia military says needs 1,500 warheads: report
| International
|
Japan unveils new climate change emissions target
Ahmadinejad says election rivals use Hitler tactics
| International
|
Obama envoy says Palestinian statehood only option
| International
|
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying down
Crews re-enter NC Slim Jim plant; 1 body recovered
Khmer Rouge defendant: Vietnamese prisoners killed
China swine flu toll tops 100
Sibling Rivalry? Sotomayor's brother proud of her
Kyrgyzstan: Uzbeks digging trenches along border
Monitor leader TPV aims low with cheap nettop PCs
| Technology
|
Bailout overseer: Bank repayments sign of progress
Microsoft, Adobe warn of critical security flaws
| Technology
|
Japan targets 8% emissions cut from 1990 levels
Japan prepares robots to take over the kitchen
| Technology
|
20 cat deaths leave Fla. communities worried
Malaysia confirms 2 more cases of swine flu
The Nation's Weather
Microsoft sees some Russian issues resolved soon
| Technology
|
Germany bans Thai ex-leader Thaksin
Russia military chief wants limited nuclear cuts
Taiwan president to run for party chairman
Ex-Ga. Tech student convicted of video terror plot
Update: Fiat Purchases Bulk Of Chrysler Assets, Forms Chrysler Group LLC
Pacific state Palau to take Uighur detainees
Sri Lanka expels Canadian lawmaker
U.S. Still Holding 11,000 Iraqi Prisoners
Not so windy: Research suggests winds dying down
Update: Supreme Court Won't Block Chrysler Bankruptcy, Fiat Sale
Pakistani investigators seek clues in hotel blast
FDA Warns Against Using Certain Hand Sanitizers
Florida Voters Favor Sink Over McCollum In First Gubernatorial Poll
Senate Hearings On Sotomayor Confirmation To Begin July 13
Deeds Easily Wins Virginia's Democratic Primary For Governor
Update: Two Dead Following Explosion, Roof Collapse At ConAgra Building; At Least 20 Workers Injured
Fourth H1N1 Death In California
Shuttle Endeavour (STS-127) Set For Saturday Liftoff
Negative data hits recovery hopes for Japan
S.Korea may tighten banks' capital requirements
Starwood to build Meridien hotel in Vietnam
Kazakhstan cuts key interest rate
China's consumer prices fall for 4th month
Taiwan dollar firms on US rate outlook, exporters
'Slumdog' child star gets new home in Mumbai
Mike Tyson weds in Las Vegas
| Entertainment
|
Acts flock to Edinburgh Fringe despite recession
| Entertainment
|
Springsteen, Phish reel in Bonnaroo crowds
launches research centre in Beijing
Horse racing in Iraq romps past the hard times
Sina.com 1Q profit falls 31 percent on ad slowdown
Pussycat Doll wants to sing Philippine anthem
Tornatore to open Venice film festival
| Entertainment
|
China's Beijing Autos mulling bid for Opel or Saab
Lauryn Hill cancels all European tour dates
Michael Jackson Demands The Children's Choir For His Concert Should Know Sign Language
Not Useful: Certain Hand Sanitizers Found To Contain High Levels Of Disease-Causing Bacteria
Tilda Swinton Wants To Live In A Glass Box
Genius British Tot Scores 160 In IQ Test
British Hacker Cites Autism To Block Extradition To U.S.
British Girl Allergic To 21st Century
Courtney Love Fled Hotel After She Trashed Room With Pink Dye
British Boy Finds Extra Lucky Seven-Leaf Clover
Israeli Defense Force Creates Robot Snake To Use On Battlefield
Robbers Steal $14 Million Picasso Sketchbook From Paris Museum
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights