LONDONDERRY— A Londonderry man was arrested on March 13 after a months-long investigation into animal cruelty allegations and breach of bail conditions.
Officer Reitze of the Londonderry Police Department arrested Robert Gerhold, 60, of 7 Holly Lane, following the issuance of an arrest warrant.
The investigation into Gerhold began in August when a neighborhood dispute led to the discovery of a potential animal cruelty situation in a group of attached condominiums on Holly Lane.
Neighbors had complained about a flea infestation and the strong smell of cat urine emanating from their basements.
Officer Reitze established that Gerhold, who was under active bail conditions from a previous animal cruelty case, was prohibited from possessing any animals.
Further evidence prompted the granting of a search warrant to inspect Gerhold’s residence.
Two living cats, visibly infested with fleas and living in poor conditions, were found during the execution of the warrant.
Additionally, five deceased cats were discovered in a container in the basement, surrounded by both dead and living fleas.
The surviving cats were seized and taken to the Manchester Animal Shelter, while the deceased cats were sent to the NH Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy.
Gerhold has been charged with seven counts of animal cruelty and seven counts of breaching bail conditions.
He was held on preventative detention and arraigned at the Derry District Court this morning.
