Unfounded rumors going around suggesting that ritualistic mutilation of pets was taking place in Somerville were disputed by police in a statement released on Thursday. The release reads as follows:

“Somerville Police received a call today, Thursday, September 17, regarding a deceased cat that was substantially mutilated. The cat was brought to Huron Vet by the Somerville Animal Control Officer and it was determined that the injuries were caused by a canine species, possibly a coyote, or a fisher cat, and not a human. It appears that two predators may have been fighting over the cat leading to the extreme injuries. Social media posts have appeared falsely reporting that the cat was killed in a ritualistic manner by a human. Those assumptions are false. Our deepest sympathies go to the owner the cat.”