California Man Allegedly Kills Over 12 Cats, Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty and Theft of Companion Animal

SANTA ANA, CA — A 46-year-old man has been charged with felony animal cruelty and theft of a companion animal after allegations surfaced that he has been luring and killing cats in a disturbing pattern of behavior. Alejandro Acosta Oliveros faces potential prison time following accusations that he has killed over a dozen cats, leading to public outrage and concern about animal safety in the local community.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office released details on Tuesday, May 20, stating that Oliveros is accused of using cat food as bait to attract his feline victims. Allegations claim he would then violently stomp on and beat the animals to death. Additionally, he is charged with stealing a Bengal Lynx from a Westminster home, pointing to a troubling pattern of cruelty and theft targeting pets.

According to reports, police have been investigating Oliveros since November 2024 after receiving a series of complaints about dead and injured cats found in the vicinity of West Wilshire Avenue and South Clara Street. The injuries described in these reports were reportedly horrific, with some cats suffering from broken backs and severe facial injuries before being found dead. The cruel nature of these allegations has shocked both local residents and animal rights advocates.

Evidence against Oliveros reportedly includes surveillance footage capturing him luring cats with food and subsequently driving off in a white Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. The police reported having received seven separate accounts of animal suffering in the area over the past several months.

Upon his arrest, law enforcement allegedly discovered methamphetamine in Oliveros’s possession, leading to an additional misdemeanor charge. The seriousness of these allegations has prompted prosecutors to request an increase in his bail from $20,000 to $100,000, citing concerns for public safety.

As reported, if convicted, Oliveros could face a maximum sentence of four years and four months in prison for the animal cruelty and theft charges, along with one additional year for the drug offense. Given the disturbing nature of the allegations, prosecutors indicated that further evidence might lead to additional charges.

The case has garnered significant attention, with many community members expressing their shock and outrage at the alleged crimes. Local animal advocacy groups are calling for harsher penalties for acts of animal cruelty and are urging individuals with additional information regarding Oliveros’s alleged activities to come forward to the police.

Oliveros is scheduled to appear for his initial arraignment at the Central Justice Center on Wednesday, May 21. The Santa Ana and Westminster Police Departments continue to investigate the case, and residents are urged to report any information that may assist in the ongoing inquiry.