Southington Man Charged After 'Tossing Cat' Around

A Southington man is facing charges including animal cruelty after police said he emulated an online "midget toss" game using a cat he claimed to have found at his home when he returned from work.

Police arrested Christopher Gagnon, of 33 Minthal Drive in Southington, was taken into custody on a warrant stemming from an investigation into the August incident. Gagnon, 24,  was charged with cruelty to an animal and breach of peace and released after posting a $500 bond.

Sgt. Jeffrey Dobratz said the incident stems from an August 29 complaint when a witness saw a cat with apparent injuries and wearing a leash standing in front of Gagnon's residence.

Animal Control officers investigated and arrived to find the cat in rough shape, with injuries.

"The warrant states that Gagnon was observed swinging the cat by the leash back and forth and then 'lobbing' the cat onto the grass," Sgt. Jeffrey Dobratz said. "Gagnon was also observed spraying the cat in the face with a garden hose for approximately five minutes. The witness stated that Gagnon was not cleaning the cat in any manner and never sprayed the cat in any other areas other than the face."

Gagnon, however, claims he found the cat when he arrived home from work covered in blood and feces and was attempting to clean it up.

After further investigation including a medical examination, however, Dobratz said officers found injuries consistent with the story told by the witness. The cat suffered trauma to the muzzle, ear and tail.

The cats owner, an acquaintance of Gagnon, was notified after the exam and the cat was returned safely.

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