The Hopkinton Police Department on Wednesday announced that it has charged an individual with animal cruelty following an incident that occurred in town over the weekend.
According to a press release, Hopkinton Police received a report on Sunday that an individual allegedly attempted to set a cat on fire at a home on Elm Street. “Officers conducted an investigation, which included reviewing video evidence related to the incident,” the press release states.
Following the initial investigation, officers charged 19-year-old Christopher Murphy of Plainville with cruelty to animals. He has been summoned to appear in Framingham District Court at a later date.
Cruelty to animals, as defined in Massachusetts General Law, is punishable with imprisonment of up to 7 years in state prison, 2 1/2 years in the house of corrections or a fine of up to $5,000 for first offenses. Subsequent offenses incur more severe punishments.
The incident remains under investigation. Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten stated in an email to the Independent that no further details about the case were available at this time.
Please make sure he goes to jail. There is no defence to setting a cat on fire!!
Agreed Ruth! While he is there he should be made to clean the horse stalls for the Sheriff’s Department mounted unit.
Someone also has an open restraining order against him, he needs help. This has to be the final straw, he needs to be stopped.