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
NEW 'Oh my God, you're my brother': Manitoba man discovers six unknown siblings
After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.
Canucks hold off Oilers for 4-3 win in Game 3
Brock Boeser had two goals and an assist, and the Vancouver Canucks hung on for a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoff series.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise's disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.