At least 11 cats have been found mutilated and killed in Washington state this week, deputies said.

>> Read more trending news

Thurston County deputies said they found two cats dead Wednesday, adding to the total of nine found Monday and Tuesday.

Tuesday, a veterinarian examined a cat killed and determined the injuries were consistent with the other cats recently killed in the area.

Investigators said there is no question these animals are being killed by a human.

"These animals are all being displayed. It's almost like a trophy, I've said it's almost like a arsonist. Where they light the fire and come back to the scene to watch the reactions. These animals are always being left in busy, public areas for people to find it,” said Erika Johnson, Thurston County cruelty investigator.

The reward for information has increased to $30,000.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, among others, will no longer be considered fee-free days at U.S. National Parks. While the MLK National Historic Park in Atlanta doesn't charge admission, the new schedule will affect such metro Atlanta sites as Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini in a World Cup qualifying soccer match at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. (Cristiano Barbosa/AP)

Credit: AP