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Cambridge man charged with animal cruelty after allegedly swinging cat by its tail
Sage, a one-year-old domestic shorthair cat, suffered from a broken tail and lung contusions.
A Cambridge man was charged with animal cruelty after he allegedly swung a cat by its tail and “slammed” it on the ground multiple times, according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Medical Center.
Jaydan Depina pleaded not guilty to two counts of animal cruelty on Tuesday, court documents show. He is scheduled to return to court for a dangerousness hearing later this week.
An anonymous tip was submitted to Cambridge Animal Control July 15 regarding the cat, MSPCA-Angell said in a press release.
“The person alleged that someone had abused a cat behind a Cambridge apartment building,” MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said. “We began investigating and ended up finding video that appears to show the cat falling from an upper floor before it looks like the defendant swings him by his tail and slams him on the ground repeatedly and then brings him back inside.”
MSPCA identified Depina as the individual who allegedly abused Sage, a one-year-old domestic shorthair cat. Sage was surrendered to MSPCA July 21 and reportedly suffered from a broken tail and lung contusions.
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A lawyer for Depina did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sage’s imaging also identified past rib and toe fractures suffered at least a month prior that are “consistent with abuse” the release said.
“Sage was brought to Angell after allegedly falling from a building late last year,” Schindler said. “He fractured the roof of his mouth and toes, but there was no reason to suspect cruelty at that point.”
MSPCA applauded the person who anonymously contacted Cambridge Animal Control about Sage, and encouraged others to do the same if they suspect animal abuse.
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“Our Law Enforcement team isn’t huge, and we have to cover cruelty complaints across all 351 communities in Massachusetts,” Schindler said. “We really rely on people reporting issues directly to us or to their local police and animal control officers, like what happened with Sage.”
MSPCA employees treating Sage said he was “shy and shutdown,” but has reportedly “blossomed” in their care.
“It’s been remarkable watching him become social, happy, and loving—something that wouldn’t be possible without the incredible work of those treating and caring for him,” said Schindler.
Sage underwent neuter surgery Wednesday, and he will be available for adoption soon, MSPCA said.
People interested in adopting Sage are requested to visit the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center during its open hours on Tuesday through Sunday 12 to 3 p.m.
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