Cat killed after domestic dispute, SPCA official says

A Lloyd man faces animal cruelty charges after he allegedly killed an “associated person’s cat” following a domestic dispute, according to Ulster County SPCA Executive Director Adam Saunders.

According to the state police in Highland, Brandon T. Williams, 33, of Lloyd, was arrested Saturday at 4:07 p.m. and was charged with the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals, along with the misdemeanor of criminal mischief with intent to damage property.

The case is classified as a “domestic dispute” in the state police blotter. According to New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, the charge of felony aggravated cruelty to animals describes when a person, “with no justifiable purpose, ... intentionally kills or intentionally causes serious physical injury to a companion animal with aggravated cruelty.”

State police declined to comment further on the case.

Saunders said his agency served in an “advisory capacity” and provided “forensic support” to state police in the case. He did not provide further details about the investigation.

He said his agency will be conducting an autopsy on the cat that should provide more information regarding the allegations.

Williams was sent to the Ulster County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail.