The death of a cat if 912 Neptune Ave., Chester on June 20 has raised a firestorm of controversy on Facebook and resulted in the person allegedly responsible for killing the cat being charged with animal cruelty.
A criminal complaint was filed by Nicole Cashdollar in Hancock County Magistrate Court on June 20, 2024 regarding the cat’s death.
The report filed by Patrolman D.M. Polgar reads:
(“On Thursday 6/10/24 at approximately 9:12 p.m., the 911 Dispatch Center received a call from Nicole Cashdollar. Nicole stated there had been a cat that was in distress at 912 Neptune Avenue in Chester, WV. When she told the homeowner that something was wrong with the cat, He stated it had a lead headache and she watched the cat die.
When I arrived at 912 Neptune, I was met by Gregory Arner. Gregory stated he threw the cat over the hill. When I stated I needed to know where, he informed me he threw it in the garbage. I informed Gregory that I needed the cat and he stated that he took the cat to the crematory to be disposed of. Gregory agreed to go to the crematory and retrieve the cat,
When Gregory brought me the cat, he stated it was shot in the head.
I got in contact with DW Floyd, and he took possession. I observed the deceased cat, and it had blood coming from its nose and appeared to be shot by the right ear.
I then received a corroborating statement from Nicole Cashdollar. She both stated. “On Thursday 6/20/24 at approximately 05:45, Matt Cashdollar, Paisley Cashdollar and I were driving on Neptune Avenue. When we got in front of 912 Neptune, we observed a white and gray cat attempting to walk but he kept falling over. We pulled over and called for Greg Arner, who was outside in his yard. Greg said, “It’s not my cat, but it has a lead headache, but I’ll take care of it.’
He also said, “I’m sorry I have to be that person, but I’m tired of smelling cat pee.” I then watched the cat die and I told Matt that we needed to leave, Matt told Greg we were leaving and Greg apologized that we had to see that.”
Based on the evidence and Nicole’s written statement, I placed Gregory Arner under arrest for animal cruelty.”)
Arner was arraigned by Magistrate Steve Svokas on a felony charge of animal cruelty. He was taken to the Northern Regional Jail where he was later bonded out. An online poll conducted by the Concerned Citizens of Chester Facebook page found 79% of respondents voting yes to “Do you think Chester should have an ordinance to address stray cats.” 3% said no; and 18% responded they could care less.
