Ottawa Humane Society offers $5,000 reward for information as police search for cat killer

The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is offering its own cash reward for anyone who can give police information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible for killing four cats on the west side of the city.

Ottawa police say two cats were found dead on the morning of June 15, near West Hunt Club Road and Woodroffe Avenue, and initial signs suggested the animals were abused and intentionally killed.

Two other cats were found in similar circumstances earlier in the month; both in a park and along a hydro corridor bike path, between Greenbank Road and Merivale Road, south of Baseline Road and north of West Hunt Club Road.

Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $2,000 for anonymous tips in police investigations, but the OHS says it's now offering $5,000 of its own money.

“The OHS is very concerned about these killings,” said Bruce Roney, OHS president and CEO. “We want to see the perpetrator apprehended as soon as possible to ensure the safety of our community and its animals.”

The OHS believes the west Ottawa cat killer is not only a danger to Ottawa’s animals, but also to the community. 

“This is clearly the work of someone who is deeply disturbed,” said Roney. “Their arrest is both important for the community, but also to ensure they receive the professional help they may need.”

The OHS always recommends keeping cats indoors, and stresses the importance of this while an animal killer remains at large.

Anyone with information about these incidents of animal abuse is asked to contact Ottawa Police West Criminal Investigations Section at 613-236-1222 ext. 2666.

To report an animal in distress or an emergency situation, call 9-1-1. To report concerns about animal cruelty or neglect, call 1-833-9ANIMAL.