Henrico County police are investigating whether feral cats were killed inhumanely at a site being cleared behind offices on Westmoreland Street.

The Society for Prevention to Cruelty to Animals in Richmond and other humane groups claim that as many as three cats may have been killed inhumanely. The cats were part of a long-established colony of cats living behind the offices of Fox affiliate WRHL at 1925 Westmoreland St.

The station said in a statement that it has suspended the clearing effort and is asking humane groups for assistance in removing the cats. The colony may have as many as 40 animals.

Before it was suspended, the cat-catching effort had been undertaken by a local pest control company.

-- Bill McKelway