NEW RICHLAND — Two cats found dead on a rooftop in January appear to have died after being struck by vehicles at separate times, according to police.

The animals did not die from malicious or torturous treatment, said New Richland Police Chief Scott Eads.

Eads said in a news release Saturday his department conducted an extensive investigation into potential maltreatment of the cats after they were reported to police Jan. 18 on the roof of 101 S Broadway Ave.

The cats appeared to have been dead for weeks prior to being put on top of the building, the release stated.

The investigation concluded one cat had been found on the boulevard of a street in the north part of town and the other had been encrusted in ice near the roadway on the south side of town.

“Any delay, mutilation or further damage occurred after these animals were dead,” Eads said.

The police chief said previous reports by other news outlets may have been taken out of context.