Dead cat display could lead to charges 

When students and staff returned to San Luis Obispo High School after Memorial Day weekend, they were greeted with a horrific sight dead cats hanging from trees.

Whether the incident, discovered May 29, was a tasteless senior prank, a sadistic ritual, an animal rights protest, or a bizarre tree ornament display is yet to be determined. But one thing is for certain, whoever did the crime will likely do the time assuming they're caught and convicted.

"If we find out who is responsible, there will be criminal charges," said San Luis Obispo High School Principal Will Jones.

The 15 to 18 cats were already dead, originally intended for dissection in the school's anatomy and physiology classes.

According to Jones, someone broke into the science storage shed over the three-day weekend and flung the formaldehyde-drenched felines into the trees.

He said some students experienced emotional distress after viewing the apparent carnage because they were unaware the cats were already deceased thinking they were someone's pets.

According to Jones, the investigation is still ongoing and the school is working with a resource officer from the San Luis Obispo Police Department with the hope of unveiling the culprit or culprits.

"I'm sure it's a safe bet to say it was a student, but I can't say that with certainty," Jones said.