Horizon City Grapples With Shocking Discoveries Of Dead Cats

Neighbors in the Horizon City area, west of Ricardo Estrada Middle School, are shocked by multiple dead cats on their lawn. Angry animal lovers witnessing their children’s tears over the sight are pleading for anyone with information to come forward and report the alleged acts of animal cruelty.

Multiple lifeless cats have been found in the front yards of residents. Specifically, the area closer to the new construction of homes by a water tower. Residents have shared similar stories of finding corpses of cats, with no signs of struggle.

Horizon City residents are unsure why the neighborhood has been plagued by dead cats.

As of time of publishing, locals in Horizon City have not received an answer as to why dozens of feral cats have been found dead in the neighborhood. Residents have also noted that they have not seen any stray dogs in the neighborhood since the dead cats have turned up.

Some of the residents have speculated poisoning of the cats since the bodies don't show any signs of being attacked or run over. The incidents have been reported to local officials, and are awaiting an investigation.

It is a crime in Texas to harm animals.

Texas animal cruelty laws such as Penal Code Section 42.092, make it a crime to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly torture, kill, abandon, or fail to provide necessary food, care, or shelter to domesticated animals. The perpetrator’s crimes can range from Class A misdemeanors to third-degree felonies, resulting in fines and imprisonment.

To report animal cruelty in this area of Horizon City, Texas, call (915) 834-8250. You can also report incidents on line El Paso County Animal Welfare. To go a step further to encourage timely action from officials contact the office of Crystal Reyes, the Interim Director, to make the Department aware of your concerns.

Sadly, this wouldn’t be the first time ignorance has led to the suffering of feral or stray cats. People see these homeless cats a nuisance and rather than take responsible actions for resolution decide to simply “eliminate” the perceived problem.

Stray cats are beneficial to the people of El Paso.

These cats serve many important duties within the ecosystem, and are especially beneficial to farm and ranch properties. To better understand how these mysterious little helpers may actually be doing you a favor, the El Paso TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) nonprofit offers locals helpful information and services for residents.

To recognize a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) cat, look for the tipped ear. Sometime it’s a subtle snip, other times you will clearly see the missing chunk even from a distance. Don’t be surprised if you begin caring for such a cat you suddenly find a cautious but curious new lawn decoration.

Feral cats have been know to become “friendlies,” and in some cases have even selected specific caretakers to become their owners, giving up their wanton ways of outdoor life ways for the comfort of a warm cozy indoor life.

There are no shortage of stories bout how former ferals who picked their peoples, became among the most loving pets these lucky folks have ever had. See stories of the program’s success on the El Paso TNR Facebook page. Warning some of the stories and photos will make you heart go pitter-patter.

El Paso residents can adopt formerly feral cats at any local shelter.

If you’d like to adopt a little furball that will gladly return the love you give, visit any of the El Paso County Shelters.

To melt into motivation just drop by Sun City Kitty in the Shoppes of Salona. Spend some cat time inside their walk-in cat lounge and you’ll end up purring right along with your new friend; a friend who might even end up the newest member of your family.

No matter what path you take to adopting a cat, you'll end up with a ready-to-model Instagram star. Like our Townsquare Media El Paso station cat, Ronsina, named for her original caretaker the late Scott Ronson.