Men Charged with Felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and Theft of Cat in Cressona

CRESSONA, Pennsylvania – Three men face charges in connection with the theft of a cat in Cressona, Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, Andrew Huber, Ayden Spantak, and Nathan Youst are facing charges of felony aggravated cruelty to animals, theft by unlawful taking, cruelty to animals, and neglect of animals.

The charges stem from an incident on January 1st, 2024, when a woman reported her daughter’s boyfriend, Huber, and two friends, Spantak and Youst, had visited her home on New Year’s Eve. It wasn’t until January 2nd, 2024, when the woman noticed that her black and white Maine Coon cat was missing. Reviewing security camera footage, she discovered the three men taking the cat.

The video footage shows Huber carrying a bag, which appeared to contain the distressed cat, and forcefully grabbing the animal by the neck. Following police interviews, Youst admitted to taking the cat and throwing it out of a moving truck, while Huber confessed to putting the cat in a backpack and ejecting it from a vehicle.

The three accused individuals are set to face the charges in court. The incident has sparked outrage within the local community, prompting a discussion about the seriousness of animal cruelty. The case is a reminder of the importance of protecting animals and enforcing laws that hold individuals accountable for mistreating animals.

The investigation and charges against the three men highlight the significance of addressing animal cruelty and the need for justice for the mistreatment of animals. The impact of this incident serves as a wake-up call for the community to take a stand against such behavior, emphasizing the importance of responsible and compassionate treatment of animals. As the case unfolds, authorities hope to send a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.