LAWRENCE (CBS) – A $1,000 reward is being offered by the MSPCA for information about cats being killed in Lawrence.

Over the past few weeks, police have found 9 dead cats which appear to have been tortured before death.

Rob Halpin of the MSPCA says veterinarians believe the cats may have been swung by their tails and thrown into a hard surface.

The cats have all turned up in the area of Lowell and Greenwood Streets.

“We dont know exactly what’s going on but it’s an especially distressing case,” Halpin told WBZ. “Whoever is doing this is not only doing something that is especially cruel, but doing it at a high volume. We have 9 cats now. So the chief of police is very worried, and we are very worried.”

There have been no arrests.

“There have been no leads at this point that is why it’s important to get the word out,” said Halpin.

Animal cruelty is a felony in Massachusetts punishable with up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine.

If you have information, you are urged to call MSPCA Law Enforcement at 1-800-628-5808. Tipsters may remain anonymous.