Categories: U.S.

New Jersey man admits to slamming door on girlfriend’s cat, breaking its limbs ‘beyond repair’

close Video

New Jersey police looking for woman who allegedly threw arcade game ball at child during argument

Police in New Jersey are looking for a woman who allegedly threw an arcade game ball at a child during an argument. (Credit: Cape May Police Department)

A Galloway Township, New Jersey, man pleaded guilty this week to animal cruelty after breaking the limbs of his girlfriend’s cat to the point they were “beyond repair” according to the veterinarian, and now faces years in prison.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said 28-year-old Michael Ciarla pleaded guilty to both third-degree animal cruelty and fourth-degree aggravated assault, which stem from two different incidents.

He was charged with animal cruelty after a cat with several broken bones was taken to the Absecon Veterinary Hospital on Nov. 15, 2021.

TEXAS WOMAN ARRESTED FOR FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY AFTER DOZENS OF HORSES, DOGS FOUND DEAD ON PROPERTY

Michael Ciarla booking photo (Atlantic County Prosecutors Office)

The cat belonged to Ciarla’s girlfriend and had to be euthanized when all its limbs were broken beyond repair or treatment, the prosecutor’s office said.

In his plea, Ciarla said he intentionally slammed the door on the cat multiple times.

In October that year, he was also charged with aggravated assault after pointing a BB gun replica .44 caliber revolver handgun at a man in Absecon.

NYC COUNCILWOMAN CALLING FOR INCREASED PRISON TIME, FELONY CHARGES FOR ANIMAL ABUSERS 

Judge holding a gavel in court. (iStock)

According to the prosecutor, Ciarla put the gun behind the victim’s head and cocked the gun when he tried to walk away.

Ciarla fled the scene, and after a standoff with police, was apprehended.

He could be sentenced to a state prison for 365 days without the chance of parole for the aggravated assault, and three years for animal cruelty.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Both sentences will run consecutively to each other.

Ciarla is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 5, 2023.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Share

Recent Posts

Iran, US begin negotiations over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for April 25 Fox News Flash top headlines…

20 minutes ago

Who will attend Pope Francis’ funeral?

close Video How Pope Francis' example 'sounds a lot like Jesus' Theologian and Fox News…

2 hours ago

Mexican migrant Wisconsin judge accused of helping evade ICE faces domestic abuse charges; had been deported

close Video Buck Sexton: Everyone who thinks the law doesn't count needs to be put…

7 hours ago

Famed stunt pilot was in contact with control tower prior to fatal crash at Langley Air Force Base

close Video Famed stunt pilot was talking to air traffic controllers prior to fatal crash…

7 hours ago

ICE Denver arrests Tren de Aragua member with multiple criminal convictions

close Video Ex-New Mexico judge, wife arrested for allegedly harboring illegal Tren de Aragua member…

7 hours ago

Florida doorbell camera captures alligator up on hind legs, ‘knocking’ on door

close Video Alligator knocks on door at Florida home The uninvited visitor at the Lake…

7 hours ago