HOOKSETT — A Hooksett man was arrested Saturday afternoon on charges of animal cruelty after allegedly hitting and killing a house cat, according to local police.
At approximately 1:44 p.m., Hooksett Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence on Mammoth Road following a report of potential animal cruelty.
Upon arrival, officers interviewed two individuals involved in the incident.
The suspect, identified as Felix Perez, 30, told officers he had been bitten by the cat while trying to clean it.
In response, Perez claimed he struck the animal.
A witness discovered the cat still alive, but injured, with blood around its mouth and unable to control its legs.
The cat had died before police arrived at the scene.
Based on the investigation and statements made by Perez, authorities found probable cause to charge him with felony-level Cruelty to Animals.
Perez was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters, where he requested a bail commissioner.
He was held on preventive detention and is scheduled for arraignment before a judge on Tuesday, April 23.
