FLORIDA — A Florida man is facing serious criminal charges after sheriff’s deputies found a bloodied, deceased cat in his trash can and armed traps placed around his property — part of what authorities allege was an intentional attempt to kill cats in the neighborhood.
Deputies Discover Traps and a Dead Cat
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded Tuesday to a disturbing animal cruelty report at a residence on W Violet Lane. A neighbor tipped off deputies about a foul odor coming from a trash bin near the roadside and mentioned seeing multiple cat traps on the property.
When officers arrived, they found two baited and armed traps just outside the home’s fence line. Upon inspecting the trash can, they made a grim discovery — the body of a dead cat with a large, swollen head injury, indicating possible blunt force trauma.
Suspect Allegedly Confessed, Called Cats “Pests”
The homeowner, 64-year-old Richard Taylor, initially refused to exit the home, reportedly becoming hostile and shouting at deputies before agreeing to speak with them. According to police, Taylor admitted to trapping and killing what he referred to as ‘feral cats,’ which he believed were pests in the neighborhood.
He was arrested and charged with:
- Aggravated animal cruelty causing death
- Threatening a first responder with physical harm
- Obstruction without violence
Taylor was booked into jail and later released after posting $21,000 bond.
Unanswered Questions Remain
As of now, it’s unclear whether the deceased cat was a stray or someone’s pet, how many animals were harmed, or if Taylor had any prior animal-related complaints or citations on record. Investigators are continuing their probe, including whether others in the area have reported similar incidents.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the seriousness of animal cruelty and encouraged residents to report any suspicious or harmful behavior toward animals in their neighborhoods.
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