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Virginia Town Police Investigate Spate of 'Almost Surgical' Cat Shavings

Authorities in Waynesboro said seven cats have been abducted, then returned, since December 2016.

Published April 28, 2017

 (otsphoto / Shutterstock.com)
Image Via otsphoto / Shutterstock.com

Authorities in Waynesboro, Virginia confirmed reports of a series of cat shavings that have garnered attention from national press outlets.

At least seven cats in the small community (population 21,000) have been taken from their homes since December 2016 and returned with shaven "underbelly, groin and leg areas", but otherwise are unharmed.

Local Police Capt. Kelly Walker said that the affected animals were "wearing collars and are well-groomed", indicating that they were household pets and not strays.

However, he emphasized, the cats were always returned promptly, and were not hurt by whoever took them.

"The shaving appears to be almost surgical," he said.

Residents put up flyers in the area warning others about the incidents, and encouraging them to contact authorities if they had more information. A Facebook page promoting the city posted the flyer and commented: "Our world grows stranger and stranger, with each passing day."

We contacted police seeking comment. They have yet to respond.

Sources

Stuart, Bob.   "Bizarre Cat Shaving in Tree Streets Reported To Waynesboro Police."     Fredericksburg.com.   27 April 2017.

Goldberg, Barbara.   "'Shaving Cats!!??' Virginia Police Probe Seven Pet Abductions."   Reuters.   28 April 2017.

Associated Press.   "Mystery In Waynesboro: Someone Is Shaving Other People’s Cats."     Accessed via wsvaonline.com.    28 April 2017.

Arturo Garcia is a former writer for Snopes.

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