Residents demand action after cat killings
Del City resident Troy Balke addresses the city council about the recent string of cat killings. Photo by Lea Terry
By Lea Terry
Midwest City Beacon
After a series of cat killings in one Del City neighborhood, residents are frustrated that not more has been done. Residents showed up at the Aug. 4 city council meeting to describe months of living in fear of a group of dogs that have been caught on camera killing cats and other animals, as well as attacking vehicles.
The attacks are primarily in the Shalimar neighborhood, as well as nearby neighborhoods such as Epperly Heights, with residents discovering dozens of cats in just a few months. Cats have been found in the area of SE 10 and Townsend, Hampton Dr. and surrounding areas. Many of the cats were community cats that were part of a Trap-Neuter-Release program and who were being cared for by residents. Family pets have also been victims.
Timothy Merideth described discovering through his home’s camera that his cat had been attacked and killed on his back patio by the dogs, who then took the cat with them.
“These dogs are seeking these cats out,” Merideth said.
Residents described finding cats torn apart on their front lawns, and in some instances multiple cats discovered in the same area. While it’s known that the dogs are responsible for many of the attacks, residents described finding bodies of cats that did not appear to match an animal attack. Ray Balke noted that some cats had been cut in half, skinned or were missing their faces. In one instance, three cats were found arranged in a circle with a fourth found nearby. Some were also decapitated, and Balke said the heads were clearly cut off – not torn off.
The attacks appear to happen between approximately midnight and 4:30 am, with the suspected dogs being caught on camera roaming the streets during that time.
Stacey Ray, who takes care of several community cats through the TNR program, said six of her community cats had been killed, and she has now taken in the remaining cat. Her vehicle was one of the ones damaged by the dogs, costing over $8,000 in repairs.
“We need help,” Ray said.
Residents also expressed frustration over the response from the city’s Animal Control, saying they felt the department did not take the situation seriously and had not addressed the issue.
Del City Police Chief Loyd Berger said the police department is making the issue a priority, with night shift officers using drones to search for the dogs and to find their owner. He said anyone that sees the dogs should call dispatch so they can send out an officer.
“Until we locate where the dogs are, it’s a hunting game until we find them,” Berger said.
In the meantime, many residents are afraid the dogs may eventually attack a human.
“We should not have to live in fear walking out our door,” Balke said.
