B.C. SPCA and both Ridge Meadows and Langley RCMP detachments are continuing the investigation into the suspicious deaths of cats in the central Maple Ridge area and Brookswood area of Langley. There have been a high number of reported cases in Maple Ridge, and Langley that occurred between June 2011 and June 2012.

At this time it has not been clearly established that all of the reported cat deaths are the direct result of human actions, as it can be extremely easy to confuse the actions of a natural predator with those of a human.

“The joint investigation with the SPCA is ongoing, and we’re engaging experts in this field,” said Ridge Meadows RCMP Insp. Dave Fleugel.

“Ridge Meadows RCMP serious crimes unit is regularly collaborating with SPCA’s investigators and Langley RCMP serious crimes. Police crime analysts are also tracking and analyzing the reports, and we have been in contact with the RCMP’s behavioral science group, who profile and track deviant, and unusual criminal behaviour. We have received tips from citizens, which we are responding to. I would like to thank those citizens for providing this information, and I encourage anyone else with information to call the RCMP or SPCA.”

The RCMP has been working alongside the SPCA since the original reports last year. There was a significant gap of reported incidents over the winter months, and the number of reports increased this spring.

“The Lower Mainland District Integrated Forensic Identification Service is providing support in this investigation, to determine for example if human DNA can be recovered,” said Langley RCMP Insp. Stephan Drolet.

“A veterinarian has been engaged to determine if the deaths are the result of human action, or a predatory animal. The veterinarian is performing necropsies to find the exact cause of death.”

“We have placed a high priority on getting to the bottom of this, and commit to continue to work with the SPCA, and other experts, to provide the community with answers,” said Fleugel.

Anyone with any information regarding these cat deaths are asked to contact Eilleen Drever at 604-575-2249. If you have any other information, or enquiries, you can contact Ridge Meadows RCMP at 604-463-6251, or Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.