Officials: Florida man arrested for allegedly shooting cats with pellet gun

TOWN ‘N COUNTRY, Fla. — A man has been arrested for allegedly shooting cats with a pellet gun in Florida, officials say.

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Osvaldo Aloma Garrido, 65, has been arrested and is facing a count of aggravated cruelty to animals with a weapon, according to a news release from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

“I will not tolerate any act of animal cruelty in our county,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in the news release. “The suspect had no regard for the animals he injured and admitted to firing shots on various occasions. It’s disheartening to know that there are individuals who intentionally harm animals. We will not condone violence against any animal and we will continue to make sure that individuals who commit these crimes are held accountable.”

Deputies were called out to a house on Nov. 12 after a resident called them saying they heard shots and reportedly saw a man with a pellet rifle, according to WFLA. A witness reportedly told deputies that they went up to the man, later identified as Garrido, and took the rifle. Deputies said they did not find any injured animals or evidence of a crime.

A few days later, on Nov. 21, deputies spoke with a witness who reported that a cat had been found with multiple wounds on its body from a few weeks before. Veterinary records confirmed the injuries and said that the wounds were from a pellet gun, according to WFLA.

Garrido was reportedly interviewed the following day. HCSO said he admitted to shooting at multiple cats in the area, according to WFLA.

HCSO reportedly asked Garrido about his employment status. He said Hillsborough County Schools said he could be facing termination due to the felony charge, according to WFLA. He has been employed with Hillsborough County Schools since 2017.

WFLA reported that according to Hillsborough County Jail records, Garrido is from Cuba and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been notified that he was arrested.

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