Courts. (Credit: LevittownNow.com)
Evan Sienkiewicz, of Hatfield, sentenced to probation, banned from owning animals after admitting to drowning pet in bathtub
A Hatfield man accused by detectives of drowning his 10-year-old cat in the bathtub because he thought it was God pleaded guilty last week to misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals and disorderly conduct, avoiding prosecution on a more serious felony aggravated cruelty to animals by neglect or torture charge.
Evan Walter Sienkiewicz, 32, of the 400 block of West Vine Street, was given a total of 3 years’ probation for his sentence, according to court records. He was charged Aug. 30, 2024, and has been free on $577 cash bail, which includes a probation/parole detainer, since November, per court documents.
As part of his sentencing, Sienkiewicz is ordered to never possess or own an animal and to undergo and comply with a psychological treatment, according to court records.
On Aug. 30, detectives spoke to a county Human Society Police officer regarding a report from the practice manager at Harleysville Veterinary Hospital, according to the complaint.
The manager advised that Sienkiewicz brought in his dead male ragdoll-breed cat, Rico, to the hospital earlier in the day, police said.
A veterinarian examined Rico, whose body was in rigor mortis, authorities said. Sienkiewicz told the doctor that he believed his cat was God, and that since Rico was God, he believed he could feel pain, but not die, police said.
Sienkiewicz allegedly put Rico in the bathtub and stepped on his pelvis, while it filled with water. He tried to squeeze the air out of Rico’s chest, police said.
Then, he asked the vet for a reassurance of death.
Sienkiewicz was represented by public defender Gabriela Sanchez.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
