Since early 2008, residents in the area have reported a large number of mysterious and disturbing rabbit killings. But investigators didn’t have any solid evidence until Friday morning at 2 am, when they found what they called their “first concrete lead.”

They arrested a 26-year-old suspect who was standing in front of his home with two animal transport boxes full of 11 guinea pigs.

“During the following search through his extremely neglected apartment, officers discovered a number of animal corpses, as well as living animals,” the police said in a statement. “The authorities had to conclude their on location operation very quickly due to possible acute health dangers.”

Forty-one living animals were rescued, among them 17 rabbits, hamsters, rats, mice and cockatiels. The fire department secured the animal corpses for autopsy.

Two other unidentified residents of the apartment were taken to a nearby hospital for examination and later released.

“The 26-year-old suspect has been mentally and physically disabled since birth,” a press statement said. “After police operations concluded he was taken into psychiatric care.”

Police also published a series of animal photographs online for those who may be missing their pets.