Officer will be cited in cat shooting; no other charges

EASTON, Pa. (AP/WTXF) -- A Pennsylvania prosecutor says a police officer who shot and killed a cat will be cited for cruelty to animals but won't face other charges.

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said his investigation indicated that the North Catasauqua officer didn't act maliciously when he shot the cat Dec. 5.

But Morganelli said the evidence failed to show that the animal was seriously injured and that shooting was the only humanitarian option. He said the cat could have been treated by a veterinarian.

Six-year-old Sugar was killed after a neighbor found the animal apparently injured. The action outraged its owner and animal rights advocates.

Defense attorney Gary Asteak said his client will fight the charge. He said the officer acted appropriately after encountering an injured and apparently feral cat.