Municipal director calls for police action after dead cat found in Brusdalsvatnet water source in Ålesund

Jon Steven Hasseldal, the municipal director of Ålesund, has called for action from the police following the discovery of a dead cat in the drinking water source Brusdalsvatnet. The police were notified of the find on July 18, and an official report was filed on July 22.

In a letter to the Møre and Romsdal police district, Hasseldal expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of protecting the water source. Brusdalsvatnet serves as the drinking water supply for Ålesund and Sula, with Giske municipality using it as a reserve source. “It is vital that we safeguard it as much as possible. It is serious to find such a thing in the water,” he stated.

Hasseldal suspects that the situation may have been intentional, saying, “We have reason to believe that someone did this knowingly.” The incident has been passed on to the police for further investigation.

On July 18, police indicated to a local news outlet that the find might indicate a violation of animal welfare laws, but they will continue to pursue the matter. The dead cat was discovered by anglers, who promptly alerted the authorities. The animal had a microchip, and the police have since been in contact with its owner.