LAWRENCE, Mass. (WHDH) -- A disturbing case of animal abuse has unfolded in Lawrence where several cats were found brutally beaten and left for dead.

In one Lawrence neighborhood, stray cats are now moving targets. Police have found eight cats killed and left along two streets in just two weeks. Now they're searching for a suspect.

“We're looking at someone who is displaying quite a bit of aggression and there's always concern this aggression could escalate to something more,” said Chief John Romero, Lawrence Police Department.

At first, police thought the cats were eating something poisonous. That's until they asked a vet to examine the eighth cat, found dead on the corner of Lowell and Greenwood streets.

“A fractured skull -- that was the cause of death. So my guess is the other seven cats met their fates the same way,” Chief Romero said.

Neighbors are discovering the dead cats littered along the streets -- often with no obvious sign of an injury.

“I opened the gate and when I looked out there was a dead cat,” one woman said.

Police say no cats have been reported missing; the suspect seems to be on the hunt for strays only. Still, some neighbors say the cat attacks have them keeping their pets inside.

“Animal is like people. You know what I mean. If I see anybody do that I call police,” one man said.

Police are asking people to be on the lookout for anyone who seems to be paying extra attention to the stray cats.