Three of four cats left in a pet carrier along Quarry Road east of Marshalltown have died, and one is expected to live.

Marshall County Chief Deputy Burt Tecklenburg said someone abandoned the cats. Two were dead when they arrived at the veterinarian Thursday, and one died Friday. The cats were found by a local resident Thursday.

“Obviously, it’s a callous and stupid thing to do, not to mention cruel,” Tecklenburg said. “It’s ridiculous when we have a very good Animal Rescue League.”

As of Friday afternoon, there are no leads or suspects in the case and anyone with information is asked to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

“We appreciate any information on something like this,” Tecklenburg said.

It’s unclear how the three cats died, but Tecklenburg said they could have died due to exposure or dehydration.

Kathy Kugler, of Marshalltown, said a friend of hers found the cats and she was able to see them at the Animal Rescue League prior to the animals being taken to the vet. The condition the cats were in was a sight she won’t soon forget. Kugler said one cat had all the flesh exposed on its legs.

“It was gruesome,” Kugler said. “I was just disgusted that somebody has that mentality that they can do this.”

Kugler hopes whoever left these cats for dead will be found and charged with the crime.

“I just want justice,” she said.