HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The disturbing killing of eight cats at Keehi Boat Harbor is prompting concern in the animal rescue community -- and not just for humans. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news State officials are investigating the decapitation and possible poisoning of several feral cats. The carcass of a headless cat was found floating in the water on Thursday, Oct. 17 near a Keehi Boat Harbor pier, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Then on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the bodies of seven other cats were found with suspicious injuries in the parking lot and many were found near piles of cat food that were believed to be poisoned. Rescue advocates said that the brutality is not surprising. "Poisonings, shootings, all types of, you name it, sort of cruelty to these cats. And you hear about it all over the island. It's been kind of quiet for a while, and now it's obviously popped up again. It just seems to be these patterns where it just goes in a cycle," said Rescue Kitties of Hawaii vice president Bret Thompsett. Cat shot in both legs reunites with Makaha owner The Hawaiian Humane Society said there is a strong correlation between violence against animals as a warning sign for violence against people. "So regardless of your feeling on, about free roaming cats, you know, this should be a wake up call for our community that someone is out there willing to, you know, basically torture an kill innocent creature," said HHS Community Engagement director Steph Kenrdick said. There are some who feed the ferals at Keehi, despite the warning signs against doing so. "It's like basically her her, her pets," Fan said of the woman who feeds the ferals, "and so she just comes at night, feeds the cat, pets 'em and whatever. And she leaves, you know what I mean, so I don't think she's the culprit, of course, you know what I mean?" Cats shot, laws soft: Calls for stricter Hawaii cruelty penalties Harbor users told KHON2 that while feeding feral cats is technically illegal, it is not something that they usually call the authorities over. They said finding a cat floating in the water without a head is a different story, however. "We're just not gonna let somebody just kill a cat or skin them or cut their, you know, decapitate their heads or anything, nah," Fan said. "Imagine what they would do to a human, you know what I'm saying?" "There's no excuse for this kind of behavior. You're not protecting monk seals by decapitating cats. You're not protecting birds. You're not protecting our community," Kendrick said. Stolen jewels, boa constrictors killing owners, check out Weird News here Feeding feral cats at harbors in Hawaii is a misdemeanor that can cost perpetrators a $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail. First Degree Animal Cruelty is a felony that carries up to $10,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.