Another cat found killed in East Patchogue, SPCA says

The body of a third cat has been found in East Patchogue, prompting animal rights officials to increase the reward for information on several feline deaths in the area to $9,000.

The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the body of the cat, disemboweled and apparently thrown over a fence, was reported in a residential neighborhood on Nov. 2. A necropsy will provide cause of death.

The find was about 450 feet away from where two feral cats were discovered on a resident's lawn, near Corbin Avenue, on Oct. 10. A necropsy revealed that an adult cat was killed by blunt force trauma, while the other, a 6- to 8-week-old-kitten, was cut in half.

"This is a vicious, heinous act of animal cruelty and how anyone could do this to these innocent cats is beyond reason," said Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross.

The reward for information in the deaths of the cats is growing. Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of $5,000 for information that leads to arrest. With a conviction, the Suffolk County SPCA is offering $2,000, the New York State Humane Association is pledging $1,000 and an anonymous donor is putting up $1,000.

Cats are companion animals, according to the SPCA, and those arrested will face felony animal cruelty charges.

Anyone with information should call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.