(Editor’s note: some details are being withheld in order to protect the identity of the victim.)
Whitpain Township Police have filed a felony animal abuse charge against an Ambler man following a domestic incident late Monday morning.
Police were dispatched to a residence within the township at 10:23 a.m. on Sept. 19 for a report of a domestic in progress. The victim advised dispatch that her boyfriend — later identified as 40-year-old Michael Baker — had killed her cat and was refusing to leave the residence, according to charging documents.
Arriving police spoke to the victim, who stated Baker had left the scene on foot. Police noted fresh blood on the porch and located a deceased cat inside of a cat litter container on the porch, the report states.
While being interviewed by police, the victim said Baker allegedly picked up her cat and threw it down a flight of stairs inside of the home. She added that she observed Baker allegedly throwing the cat against an exterior wall, then found the deceased cat on her porch, the report states.
Police located Baker walking in the area and took him into custody. While being transported to the police department, Baker allegedly said “I did not mean to kill the cat.”
The victim told police Baker had a history of mental health issues, according to the complaint.
As a result of the incident, Baker has been charged with one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals – torture. He was arraigned Monday evening by District Judge Karen Zucker and was later taken to county jail on a probation/parole detainer, court records show.
Baker’s next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. in front of District Judge Suzan Leonard.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using court records and the affidavit of probable cause. This story was updated to reflect the child's current custody status.
See also:
Father Shot Attempting to Rescue Daughter from Assault in Lower Gwynedd
Parents Charged with Felony Child Endangerment After Taking Kids to Pick Up Drugs in Philadelphia
Central Bucks School District Employee Charged with Possession of Child Pornography
Man Accused of Taking Photos of Woman in Dressing Room at Goodwill Outlet in Montgomeryville
