The Hopatcong Police Department is seeking public assistance in identifying two men who have been abandoning rare hairless cats at various locations in Morris and Sussex counties. The latest incident occurred on August 15, when the suspects left four cats in cardboard carriers at Lakeside Construction on Stanhope Sparta Road in Hopatcong. The cats, named Cleo, Bubbles, Harry, and Cyrus, were found to be in need of medical attention.
The suspects, who were captured on surveillance video, were seen driving a white Toyota Tundra. Similar incidents involving the same suspects and breed of cats have occurred at two other locations in New Jersey within the last week. The cats, identified as Peterbalds, a breed similar to the hairless Sphynx but of Russian origin, were all found in the same type of cardboard carrier and all required medical care.
The cats are believed to be between 1 and 3 years old and appear to have had minimal human contact. They are currently being cared for by animal rescue groups in Sussex and Morris counties. The cats are battling illnesses ranging from severe upper respiratory infections to intestinal parasites. A few of the cats are missing eyes, likely attributed to the virus.
Under New Jersey Animal Cruelty laws, any person who abandons a domesticated animal can be charged with a disorderly person offense and faces up to $1000 in fines. Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call the Hopatcong Police Department at 973-398-5000 or email gdimatteo@hopatcongpolice.org. Anonymous tips are welcome.