Police: Man tortured, killed cat

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) - Two cats were tortured and one was killed, including one stolen from the Bloomington Animal Shelter, police officials said Tuesday.

One man is facing multiple felony charges. Bloomington Police officials said 19-year-old Christopher C. Gugliuzza stole a cat from the animal shelter after workers said a family had already adopted it.

The theft led to Gugliuzza’s arrest on a preliminary charge of theft. While speaking to police, the man said the cat had run away into the woods, though he did admit stealing it.

A female acquaintance later went to the police department and reported seeing Gugliuzza torture the cat. She said he threw it against the wall and dragged the cat around with a computer cord tied around its neck. She also watched as he threw a large rock at the cat, police officials said.

One dead cat was discovered in a spot the female said she watched it be buried. In that case, she said Gugliuzza told her the cat scratched him after he accidentally rolled over on it.

“It was at this point she said he placed his hands around that’s cats neck apparently strangled it to death,” said Captain Joe Qualters Bloomington Police Department. 

Lennox, the kitten that was stolen has been found alive and in good health. Police believe Gugiluzza is responsible for killing at least two cats. 

Gugliuzza denied the allegations, saying the cat died by accidental means.

Police arrested Gugliuzza on preliminary charges of theft and two counts of torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal, all Class D felonies. He was released from the Monroe County Jail on bond.