Cats found shot to death in neighborhood

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

(9/05/07 - KTRK/CONROE, TX) (KTRK) -- A neighborhood is keeping a close eye on their pets after several cats were found shot to death.

The cats were killed in the Southwind Ridge Subdivision in Conroe. What's worse is they were left in people's yards where children could have found them.

Many pet owners in that neighborhood are keeping their animals inside. Conroe police are investigating but they say so far they have few leads.

It was Sunday morning when the Wergeland's learned, what they considered three members of their family, were gone. A neighbor knocked on the door after the disturbing discoveries.

As the day went on, the couple learned that five other cats in the neighborhood had been shot and killed.

Conroe police say the shooter used a pellet rifle. They have stepped up patrols in the usually quiet neighborhood but have few leads.

"We believe whoever did this possibly lived in the neighborhood and also may be somewhat younger, joy riding around and shooting animals," said Sgt Bob Berry of the Conroe Police Department.

It's been hard enough for the Wergeland's to take all this in, but telling their two sons who grew up with the cats is even more difficult.

Fortunately for the family, three of their cats were inside that night and that is where they'll stay from now on so they don't end up like their mom and dad.

Their loss is still sinking in. Now the family goes to the backyard, not to play with the cats, but to visit a new pet gravesite.

Your help is being asked to solve this case, if you have any information please call the Conroe Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at 936-522-3231. They say the shooter will be charged with cruelty to animals.

This story comes to us through our partnership with Houston Community Newspapers. You can read more about it in the Conroe Courier.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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