The Humane Society of Greater Rochester has announced the arrest of a Spencerport man on animal cruelty charges following the death of a cat.
Humane investigators say Douglas McPherson was dispatched by the Spencerport Fire District to help a cat that had become stuck in a tree last October.
McPherson is accused of aiming a high-powered hose at the tree, which caused the cat to fall to the ground and sustain injuries that ultimately led to the animal's death.
The incident was reportedly captured on video. But Reno DiDomenico, vice president of humane law enforcement at Lollypop Farm, says investigators also interviewed witnesses and examined evidence.
McPherson was charged with torturing and injuring an animal, a misdemeanor.
The Spencerport Fire District did not immediately respond to a request for comment but DiDomenico said the district ensured accountability in the case.
