A series of gruesome cat killings in several Inner Loop neighborhoods has gotten the attention of Crimestoppers.

The killings, which date back to 2009, have occurred in the River Oaks, Montrose, and the Heights, and the area around Jaycees Park in Lazybrook / Timbergrove is a particular hotspot.

In many cases, the cats are shaved, skinned, and mutilated -- sometimes beheaded, and others times halved or quartered. The bodies are often left on display -- in driveways, or in one case, in the middle of a baseball diamond.

In 2010, we found our own cat dead at the hands of a human in our backyard.

Late last month, someone left the rear portion of a cleanly bisected tabby in the driveway of a home near Jaycees Park. That was enough to get the attention of Crimestoppers and the Major Offenders Unit at HPD.

Earlier this week, Crimestoppers issued a statement offering up to $5,000 for the capture of any suspects in these cases. If you have any tips, please call 713-222-TIPS, or text "TIP610" to CRIMES (274637) or submit via the web at http://www.crimestoppers.org. The anonymity of all tipsters is assured.

Crimestoppers also urges pet owners to keep your pets inside or in your own yard, and to help return wandering animals back to their rightful owners.