Community News
Lexington animal-control charges man after community cat found fatally injured in Woodward Heights
Lexington/Fayette County, Kentucky — A community cat known as Casper was found with severe injuries in Lexington’s Woodward Heights neighborhood earlier this month; the cat later died after veterinary care.
Surveillance footage from the neighborhood showed a man walking a dog during the encounter that preceded residents finding the injured cat. Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control said public tips helped investigators identify a suspect.
The agency charged Matthew Harris with a misdemeanor violation of Lexington’s ordinance that prohibits allowing an animal to physically injure a person or domestic animal or to create a reasonable impression of imminent danger. Animal Care & Control reviewed the evidence with the Fayette County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators concluded there was not sufficient evidence to prove the event was intentional, and did not file felony charges such as animal cruelty or torture.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.