Serial cat killer in Ottawa’s west end is a coyote, police say
A coyote is now believed to be responsible for the deaths of several cats in Ottawa’s west end this month.
Ottawa police launched an investigation after seven cats were found deceased, sparking fears of a serial cat killer in the area.
On Thursday, police say a necropsy was conducted on one of the deceased cats at the University of Guelph Animal Health Laboratory in Kemptville.
"(It) determined that the cause of death was a predatory attack, most likely by a coyote," said police.
"The analysis also pointed to similar findings with respect to the other cats."
The Ottawa Humane Society had offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest after Ottawa police reported several cats were found dead in the west end.
Ottawa Humane Society president and CEO Bruce Roney says there is "some relief" knowing that a person is not behind these killings.
"But it doesn’t change the fact that these cats suffered a horrendous death and that the safest place for a cat is indoors," said Roney in a statement.
"We are pleased to see how seriously both the community and OPS treated this case. Our hearts go out to the people who lost a beloved pet during these past few weeks."
On June 15, two cats were found dead in the area of Woodroffe Avenue and West Hunt Club Road. Police said signs suggested the animals were intentionally abused and killed.
Two other similar incidents were also reported, with police saying they occurred either within city of Ottawa park space, or along bike paths or hydro corridors in the area bounded by Greenbank Road, Baseline Road, Merivale Road and Hunt Club Road.
On June 18, police set up a tip line after two more cats were discovered in the area.
A seventh cat was found deceased on June 21 in the area of Woodroffe Avenue and Knoxdale Road.
Police say the investigation into the deaths is now closed.
The Ottawa Humane Society is recommending pet owners keep their pets inside.
The $5,000 reward offered for information in the investigation will now be directed back to animals to provide life-saving care and shelter for animals in need.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
1 person killed and 23 injured in a bus crash in northern Maryland, police say
One person was killed and 23 others were injured when a bus crashed early Sunday on Interstate 95 in northern Maryland, police said.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
William Nylander stood in a solemn visitors locker room at TD Garden just before midnight. The Maple Leafs had battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss. Nylander's message was emphatic.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
Video shows gaggle of geese stopping traffic on Highway 1 near Vancouver
A mother goose and her goslings caused a bit of a traffic jam on a busy stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway near Vancouver Saturday.