SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – An investigation is underway in Summerville after more than a dozen animals were found dead on a recently sold property along Drop Off Drive.
Pet Helpers said 12 cats and three possums, part of a monitored cat colony, were discovered scattered throughout the wooded area where they lived.
Lowcountry TNR and Feral Cat Network have been monitoring and caring for the animals. According to Pet Helpers, the groups are “committed to trap-neuter-return efforts” for feral cats in the community.
Stephanie Fauvelle, president and co-founder of the Charleston Animal Legislative Action League, said in an email to News 2 that the cats were found poisoned on the recently sold property. She said the previous owner agreed to sell the land with the “explicit condition that the colony of cats […] would be cared for.” She added that the previous owner was devastated upon learning about the deaths.
According to Pet Helpers, police are actively investigating the incident. The animal shelter is now offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of those responsible.