RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling of animal cruelty for a man who attempted to run over a homeless man and a cat. The incident occurred in December 2017 in Durham, North Carolina, and the ruling was made on Tuesday. The man had been convicted of two counts of animal cruelty, and the court’s decision affirmed the lower court’s ruling.
The man, who was driving a pickup truck, reportedly targeted a homeless man and his cat, driving at them with the intent to harm. The homeless man was able to move out of the way, but the cat was struck and killed. The incident was captured on surveillance video, providing clear evidence of the man’s actions.
Animal rights activists and advocates have welcomed the Court of Appeals’ decision, citing the importance of holding individuals accountable for acts of cruelty against animals. The ruling sets a precedent for taking animal cruelty cases seriously and ensuring that offenders are held responsible for their actions.
The man’s defense argued that he did not specifically target the cat and that it was an unintentional accident. However, the court concluded that the evidence supported the conviction of animal cruelty, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the man’s actions.
The ruling serves as a reminder of the seriousness of animal cruelty and the legal ramifications it carries. It also highlights the significance of video evidence in prosecuting such cases. The man’s attempt to harm the homeless man and his cat resulted in a conviction that has been upheld by the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Such cases emphasize the importance of protecting animals and holding individuals accountable for their actions.