Venezuelan authorities have launched an investigation into the discovery of a site containing numerous dead cats in the Carapita neighborhood of Caracas. The case, which has sparked outrage on social media, underscores growing concerns about animal welfare in the country.
The investigation began after a photograph circulated online showing a man walking among what appeared to be multiple feline corpses in an alleyway. According to reports, some of the cats appeared to have been mutilated.
“Prosecution 88 National, with jurisdiction in Environmental Defense and Domestic Fauna, has been designated to investigate and sanction the events related to the serial deaths of domestic animals in the Carapita sector, Los Orientales alley,” the Public Ministry announced on Instagram.
Animal welfare groups have expressed alarm over the situation. SOS Peludos Caricuao stated, “A cat slaughterhouse has been found in Carapita. The motive is unknown.” Environmental organization Mapache Ecoaventura questioned whether those responsible would be held accountable, saying, “A cat slaughterhouse? Let’s see how many people they set in jail. I hope they arrest everyone involved.”
It remains unclear if the man pictured in the photograph is connected to the killings.
Irregular Cat Adoptions in Caracas
Separately, animal rescue groups have reported a pattern of irregular cat adoptions in Caracas. They allege that a woman identified as Margarita Rodríguez Chacel has been adopting cats for months, only for the animals to subsequently disappear.
Five animal advocates filed a complaint with the Public Ministry on January 15 regarding this alleged practice, but authorities have not yet publicly commented on an investigation. It has not been confirmed whether this issue is related to the discovery in Carapita.
“This person is adopting kittens and there is allegedly some kind of mistreatment due to the fact that she doesn’t show her face for the kittens. Besides that, there is no sign of life for any of the kittens… There are many kittens involved,” said Adopta Un Gato, a Caracas-based rescue organization.
Rescuers typically follow up after adoptions to ensure the animals are well cared for, often contacting adopters via platforms like WhatsApp for updates, and photos. Once the group confirms the animal is in a safe environment, the follow-up usually decreases or ends.
Reports suggest Rodríguez Chacel may have misled several organizations.
“We save them from the streets, we heal them, we dedicate a lot of time to them, we deworm them and give them the best care. When they are ready, we find the best home for them so they don’t suffer again, and that’s why we do the follow-up. All adopters accept the follow-up and do it with a lot of affection because they understand the anguish of the rescuer. We don’t recognize the adopters, other than a phone interview, ID and RIF. We are giving them the trust to give them a life,” Adopta Un Gato stated.
At the time the initial complaint was filed, at least 18 cats were known to have been adopted through Rodríguez Chacel. That number has since risen to around 40.
