Langley RCMP officers are working with Ridge Meadows RCMP and the B.C. SPCA to investigate the suspicious deaths of a large number of cats reported in the Brookswood and central Maple Ridge area between June 2011 and June 2012.

Investigators note that it has not been clearly established that all of the reported cat deaths are directly attributable to human actions.

They point out that it can be “extremely easy” to confuse the results of a natural predator’s attack with the actions of a human.

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

“Ridge Meadows RCMP Serious Crimes Unit is regularly collaborating with SPCA’s investigators and Langley RCMP Serious Crimes,” he said. “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.”

Fleugal said police are responding to tips received from the public at large, and offered his thanks to those who are providing information.

“I encourage anyone else with information to call the RCMP or SPCA,” he added.

The RCMP has been working alongside the SPCA since the original reports of unusual cat-killings last year.

There was a significant gap of reported incidents over the winter months, police note, and the number of reports increased again 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 Insp. Stephan Drolet, Operations Support Officer for Langley.

Drolet added that police have consulted a veterinarian “to determine if the deaths are the result of human action, or a predatory animal.”

He explained that the veterinarian is performing necropsies to find the exact causes of death.

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

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