MANILA, Philippines -- Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay on Saturday ordered police to probe last month?s slaughter of 29 cats and kittens at Dasmariñas village.

Police chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz has ordered a team of investigators to track down the cat killers, who peppered the feline with air gun pellets.

?Our investigators are now coordinating with Barangay Dasmariñas officials and the Dasmariñas Village Association for any leads,? Cruz said.

Binay said the perpetrators should be arrested because they pose a threat to the security of animals, residents and visitors of the Village.

?I have ordered the police to arrest those responsible as soon as possible. The suspects have violated a national law and a city ordinance on animal welfare,? the mayor said.

On Dec. 16, 2007, several cats were shot using air guns with lead pellets.

The felines, which were up for adoption, were under the care of Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (Cara) Philippines, which is helping DVA address its stray cat problem.