Man charged with animal abuse after castrating ex-girlfirend's cat

A Eugene man has been charged with first degree animal abuse after he castrated his ex-girlfriend's cat with a box cutter.

Police say late Friday night, Jerry Caswell, 31, became angry when the ex-girlfriend didn't come over to his house. He took his anger out on her cat "Romeo," by first drugging the animal with human medication, and then castrating the animal.



Officer Jed McGuire investigated the case, and found Romeo in time to get him transported to an emergency veterinary hospital. The animal is expected to recover.

Upon further investigation, officers found that Caswell was a convicted felon and could have weapons in his home. They found two rifles, a shotgun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in Caswell's home. Police say Caswell also had two styles of body armour in his possession.

Oregon State Law prohibits people convicted of felonies to possess firearms or body armor. Caswell was charged with First Degree Animal Abuse, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of Body Armour.