Charleroi man charged after more than 20 cats found dead in West Newton residence
Jonathan Hodgetts is charged with aggravated cruelty, cruelty and neglect after more than 20 cats entrusted to his care were found deceased of starvation inside a West Newton residence.
West Newton police charged Charleroi resident Jonathan Hodgetts with aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals and neglect after officers discovered more than 20 cats deceased inside a North 2nd Street residence. The homeowner said Hodgetts had been caring for 21 cats, received supplies from her, and had assured her the animals were fine; a necropsy determined the cats died of starvation. Hodgetts is accused of promising a cat sanctuary and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.