Details could be disturbing for some readers. 

Residents of the Point Douglas area in Winnipeg are heartbroken after several cats were found dead in the community. 

According to a city spokesman, Animal services received five reports of dismembered cats. According to a resident of the area, some of the cats found had collars on them. Lynne Scott of Craig Street Cats, a feral cat management program and kitten rescue working with the nearly 100,000 cats living in Winnipeg, is appalled by these recent events.

“These cases are horrific. The perpetrators need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and they need jail. No question.”

The discovery of deceased cats in the Point Douglas area is just the latest in a series of animal abuse cases in Winnipeg. In August 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service was alerted by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian Animal Welfare to disturbing videos and photos showing the torture and killing of approximately ten cats, some of which were reportedly obtained through social media selling platforms. On October 9, Winnipeg Police arrested Chad Kabecz, 40, and Irene Lima, 55, who now face multiple charges related to the abuse.

These charges include: 

• Killing or Injuring Animals;
• Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal;
• Fail to provide adequate medical attention for an animal when it is wounded or ill;
• Inflict upon an animal acute suffering, serious injury or harm, or extreme anxiety or distress that significantly impairs its health or well-being.

The two individuals charged are alleged to have created and sold videos on the dark web depicting animals being tortured and crushed. Chad Kabecz was released on bail, with conditions requiring him to live with a family member outside of Winnipeg. 

As a person heavily connected and involved in the welfare of animals in the area, Scott has been privy to some horrific details. 

“These cats have been tortured and mutilated. They’re not dying easy. It takes a long time. And the cats are in horrible, horrible distress while it’s happening. I won’t share details.”

In a recent Instagram post, the Manitoba Animal Alliance warned that Kabecz is active on multiple dating sites and urged Manitobans to be vigilant, advising anyone who suspects they are near him or any animals to contact police immediately.

Police don’t believe the case is connected to the cats found in Point Douglas. 

Scott stresses the importance of keeping pets indoors and never leaving them unsupervised, noting that pet ownership is a significant responsibility, requiring owners to ensure their animals’ well-being. Outdoor and free-roaming cats present several challenges; if they aren’t spayed or neutered, they can contribute to the growing cat population with unplanned litters. Indoor cats are protected from threats like traffic, predators, harmful individuals, and diseases, resulting in fewer accidents and illnesses and generally longer lifespans. Additionally, keeping cats indoors helps preserve local ecosystems by preventing them from hunting wildlife and strengthens the bond between pets and their owners.’

Scott also reminds pet owners that it’s not just about safety—Winnipeg has a by-law requiring all cats to be kept indoors.

“It is the law. If they’re allowing their cats to roam and animal services show up and say that their cats are outdoors, there’s a substantial fine. So the worst outcome is that one of these very disturbed individuals gets a hold of their friendly cat and does horrible things to it.”

No updates are available regarding the recent deaths of cats in the Point Douglas neighbourhood.

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals can contact the Provincial Animal Care Line at 204-945-8000. Citizens can also contact the Winnipeg Police Service or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org regarding criminal incidents involving animals.

– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural