ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A 48-year-old St. Petersburg man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after police say he abused a cat.
- Man charged with abusing cat
- Scott Rush, 48, charged with cruelty to animals
- Cat taken to vet for treatment
According to St. Petersburg police, witnesses said they saw Scott Rush throw a pet carrier with the cat inside into a ditch filled with water.
The incident happened near the 4000 block of 4th Street North.
The witness said Rush then went into the water, retrieved the carrier, pulled out the cat and began kicking and beating it.
The cat eventually ran off and Rush then left the scene. Animal Services were able to track down the cat and take it to a veterinarian for treatment.
Rush was arrested and charged with felony cruelty to an animal. A judge set his bond at $25,000 and ordered that he have no contact with animals.
Witnesses said they saw Scott Rush throw a pet carrier with the cat inside into a ditch filled with water. (Pinellas County Sheriff's Office)