India, Sept. 10 -- Police have launched an investigation after nearly 20 cats were found dead and mutilated in the Panjrapole locality of Chembur in eastern Mumbai, an official said on Thursday.

The discovery has prompted animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India to announce a reward of up to Rs 50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

According to the official, local animal caregiver Rubeena Pathan approached the police after finding mutilated carcasses of cats in the area over a period of time. Pathan, along with representatives of PETA India, subsequently lodged a complaint.

Last week, Pathan found the carcasses of six cats, the official said.

The po...