Mutilated kittens found along popular jogging trail in Snohomish County



STANWOOD, Wash. -- A disturbing case of animal cruelty has police turning to social media for clues.

Somebody mutilated a pair of kittens and left the bodies along a busy jogging path in Stanwood last week.

The Village Walking Loop is a slice of nature tucked inside a bustling town, but it’s also where police say someone dumped two mutilated kittens.

Police believe the injuries did not come from a predator.

The Stanwood Police Department posted alerts to its Facebook page hoping someone might know where the pets came from.

“Mutilating animals is not an answer,” said Police Chief Rick Hawkins.

Investigators said a pair of joggers made the gruesome discovery and immediately called police.

Police believe the kittens were placed out in the open where anyone could see them. The pathway crosses in front of a middle school. People walking the busy trail are thankful children didn’t find the kittens.

“Out of control kids, that’s the first thing I think of,” said resident Michael Borthwick.

“It’s pretty sick,” said Hans Ostrander. “We got people tearing apart animals, tossing them into the woods.”

One kitten has black fur with white paws, and the other has gray fur with white paws.

People walking nearby hope whomever hurt the kitties can be stopped and get the help they need.

“Somebody needs a dad, somebody needs a mom watching out for them, paying attention,” said Borthwick.

If you have any information in this case, call the Stanwood Police Department.