Klamath Falls, Ore. – An investigation of possible acts of animal mutilations continues in Klamath Falls. A badly mutilated 5-month-old pit bull was found dead by its owner on Crescent Avenue two weeks ago.
Lieutenant Jack Daniel of the Klamath Falls police department notes that a veterinarian was unable to tell if the damage was caused by a human, or another animal. He said, “Further testing is being done on evidence from that case.”
Early last week, another report of animal mutilation in the same neighborhood was posted on Facebook. “We received notification of a possible mutilation to a cat via social media,” said Klamath County Animal Control Officer Jim Nielsen. “But at this time, we have not found the animal in question.”
Neighbor Ron Crete says he’s concerned, but not worried, “All the neighbors have dogs, pretty much – and so we usually visit on the street, get to know each others dogs, and we go from there.”
While there’s still no solid evidence of animal mutilations, Lieutenant Daniel says police are still urging residents not to take any chances, “We’re asking folks in the area to be vigilant with their pets, taking the extra time to bring them in, and paying attention to who’s wandering around their neighborhood.”
If a suspect is identified, that person could face felony charges of aggravated first-degree animal abuse.
Investigators say there’s no evidence to suggest the latest incidents are connected to several cases of animal mutilation that happened in Klamath Falls over 2 years ago.
KOTI-TV NBC2 reporter Lyle Ahrens moved from Nebraska to Klamath Falls in the late 1970’s. He instantly fell in love with the mountains, the trees and the rivers, and never once regretted the move.Lyle’s job history is quite colorful.
He’s managed a pizza parlor; he’s been a bartender, and a “kiwifruit grader” at an organic orchard in New Zealand. A Klamath Falls radio station hired Lyle in the mid 90’s as a news writer and commercial producer. In 2004, Lyle joined the KOTI/KOBI news operation.Lyle notes with pride that he has a big responsibility presenting the Klamath Basin to a wide and varied audience.
“The on-going water crisis has underscored the fact that the people and the issues in the Klamath Basin are every bit as diverse as the terrain. Winning and keeping the trust of the viewers, as well as the newsmakers, is something I strive for with each story”.
When he’s not busy reporting the news, Lyle enjoys astronomy, playing guitar, fixing old radios and listening to anything by Sheryl Crow.
