By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Three dead cats have been discovered on the University of Montevallo campus, and the animals “did not die of natural causes,” according to Jamie Bessette, UM director of university relations.

The university police located three deceased cats, one at the “Becoming” statue, one at Flower Hill and the third near the flagpole on Main Quad, Bessette said.

University police have increased evening patrols in response.

“That’s as much to apprehend the individual,” Bessette said. “We do not believe there’s any safety concern for the students or faculty and staff, for that matter.”

Bessette said the university plans to press charges once the perpetraor is apprehended.

“We really can’t put out any more specific details other than that without hindering the investigation,” he said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the UM Police Department at 665-6155 or umpolice@montevallo.edu.