* Crossposted from: [MME] Pets
Torture killings of cats reported in Springfield
                     SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - Police and Humane Society
officials are investigating the deaths of at least three cats that
appear to have been tortured and then set afire in the quiet Thurston
neighborhood during spring break.
                     ``It is very clear to us that people, especially
young people who start out torturing animals, are at the gateway to more
serious violence,'' said Kimball Lewis, executive director of the
Greenhill Humane Society.
                     ``This is not just about killing a cat, this is
about high risk behavior and animal abuse as a gateway offense to
violence against people,'' he said.
                     The incident was reported Thursday by state Sen.
Bill Dwyer, who owns the property where the cats were found, Lewis said.
                     A relative of Dwyer's had found three carcasses on
the property. By the time investigators arrived, just two were found. A
third, and possibly a fourth, had been removed, Lewis said.
                     Just six months ago in Springfield, a cat was set
afire but managed to crawl to its owner's porch, Lewis said. Humane
Society workers took the cat to the Companion Animal Clinic, but
extensive efforts to save the animal failed. A $2,000 reward was offered
in the case, but no arrest was made.
                     Lewis said his organization will call in outside
resources to assist in investigation, and plans to offer a reward aimed
at an arrest in the case.
                     ``Whoever has done this has told someone, and
someone will come forward,'' he said. ``We will pull all the stops to
put an end to this type of behavior.''
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