Two cats, apparently road kill victims, were found dead in a dryer at Knapp Hall on Nov. 3, said Jerry Stewart, director of the Department of Public Safety.

Ed Clark, a student in Knapp Hall, reported the incident by making a call from the laundry room, Stewart said. Animal control services were also called to the scene.

“Animal control told us that [the] cat and kitten had been dead at least a day prior to being put in the dryers,” Stewart said.

The people responsible for placing the animals in the dryer are unknown, he said.

“At this point what we have attempted to do is to ask for the cooperation of any witnesses who may have seen anybody placing the cats in the dryer,” Stewart said. “Because the animals were already deceased, it’s questionable as to whether a crime occurred. Had they been alive, the charges would have been cruelty to animals.”

Stewart said animal control authorities told them to have the dryer thoroughly cleaned. That could mean whomever committed the act may be charged with criminal mischief, because it defaced university property.

Stewart said residence hall maintenance was notified of the incident, and the dryer was cleaned.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to call the ISU Police at 294-4428, Stewart said.

— Jyni Ekins