Bradenton man charged with animal abuse after throwing cat at wall, police say
Bradenton police arrested a man they say threw a cat against a brick wall with such force it left the animal dazed, bleeding and in need of emergency veterinary care.
Keshaun M. Williams, 26, Bradenton, faces a first-degree misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty in connection with the July 7 incident, according to arrest records. Police said his girlfriend reported that he had already injured the cat before grabbing it from her and attacking it again as she tried to take it to the vet.
An attorney representing Williams did not immediately respond to the Bradenton Herald’s request for comment.
The Bradenton Police Department said it began investigating after staff at a veterinary clinic in Bradenton contacted officers about a Devon Rex cat with facial injuries they believed were consistent with abuse. Police said the woman got home from work and found blood on the kitchen floor, then noticed her cat had been hurt, including an injury to its mouth.
She told police she was heading to her car to take the cat to the veterinary hospital when Williams grabbed the animal from her and violently threw it against a brick wall, according to an arrest report. The cat survived, and the woman brought it to the hospital for treatment.
The veterinarian told police the cat was dazed and disoriented when they examined it, according to an arrest report. The animal also had bleeding from the gums, a mouth injury and a lacerated front paw pad, the report says.
Police said it wasn’t the first time Williams had allegedly hurt the cat.
The woman told officers he “has a history of violence towards the cat” and made it clear he didn’t want the animal in the home. Police said they helped her find a safe place to stay before arresting Williams on July 9.
Williams was booked into the Manatee County jail and released two days later on July 11 after posting a $5,000 bond, according to arrest records. Court records show he pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for arraignment Aug. 13 before Manatee County Judge Melissa Gould.
Police said the cat is recovering and urged the public to report any suspected animal abuse to the Bradenton Police Department at (941) 932-9300 or Manatee County Animal Services at (941) 742-5933.
