Mesa officials say an animal killed multiple cats, but residents aren’t sure

PHOENIX — The Mesa Police Department has been looking into a string of cat deaths north of the downtown area.

While investigators believe an animal is responsible, residents aren’t so sure.

So far, as many as six cats have been found dead in the area of Brown Road and Country Club Drive, close to the city cemetery.

Mesa Police spokesman Nic Rasheta said the department has been investigating since the first cat death was reported on Aug. 30.

“The last one I’m aware of was on Sept. 12,” he said. “And in that time frame, we’re dealing with somewhere between four and six incidents involving deceased cats.”

Animal control has documented the attacks and has concluded a wild animal is likely responsible.

But Rasheta said local residents aren’t convinced.

“Some neighbors are questioning that a coyote or predator animal would be capable of doing this or would leave the remains,” he said.

The city issued the following statement:

“Both animal control and Mesa police have come to a mutual determination that the four deceased cats, all in the same condition, appear to be attacked by wildlife. There is no evidence of anything suspicious. We have information from three people who have seen coyotes in the area in the past few weeks. Yesterday, an animal control officer went to the area where a deceased cat was found and saw a hawk circling the area, so we now have another type of predator. A Game and Fish representative has also told Mesa Animal Control there have been foxes in the same area.”

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