CRESSONA, Pa. – The theft and disappearance of a beloved cat named Catalina has led to charges against three men in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. According to state police at Schuylkill Haven, Andrew A. Huber, 26, of Pottsville; Ayden M. Spantak, 19, of Cressona; and Nathan D. Youst, 19, of Schuylkill Haven, are facing charges related to animal cruelty and theft. The charges stem from the reported theft of Catalina and the disturbing treatment of another cat.
Huber faces felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals causing injury or death, torture, and theft, as well as misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and a summary count of animal neglect. Spantak and Youst each face one count of aggravated cruelty to animals causing injury or death, as well as theft, misdemeanor cruelty to animals, and summary animal neglect charges. These charges come after Catalina was reported missing on New Year’s Day, and surveillance footage identified the three men taking her from the residence.
According to court documents, Huber confessed to taking Catalina from the home and disposing of her by throwing her out of a vehicle. Despite widespread efforts to locate Catalina, including a $1,000 reward for information on her whereabouts, she has yet to be found. The Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, where Catalina was adopted, expressed disappointment that reported sightings have not led to her recovery.
While the suspects have been charged, the search for Catalina continues, leaving the family and the SPCA hoping for a better outcome. The case has drawn attention to the issue of animal cruelty and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The ongoing efforts to find Catalina reflect the community’s commitment to seeking justice for animals who have been mistreated.