A string of alleged cat killings and mutilations in the Spokane area has caught the attention of anti-animal cruelty group PETA, which has offered a reward for information leading to the identification of a culprit.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said Friday it would award up to $5,000 “for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty charges of the person or persons responsible for the cats’ deaths,” according to a news release.

The bodies of three cats were found this week, following a fourth that was found in August. In each case, only half of the cat was discovered – the hindquarters in two cases, the forequarters in the others, according to the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS).

It is not currently known if the cats had owners. None appear to have been carrying chips, said SCRAPS Field Operations Manager Ashley Proszek.

The bodies were found in an area to the south of Francis Avenue and west of Ash Street.

The bisections “were very clean – not something you’d expect an animal to do,” said Proszek. SCRAPS is conducting an investigation into the believed killings.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to reach out to SCAPS at 509-477-2532.