FORT PLAIN — A 76-year-old Canajoharie man has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after police say he deliberately struck a kitten with his pickup truck on Canal Street.
Gregory Leary was arrested Aug. 11 following an investigation into the Aug. 1 incident, according to the Fort Plain Police Department.
Police say Leary was driving a 2034 Ford pickup truck westbound on Canal Street at approximately 6:40 a.m. when he crossed into the eastbound lane and deliberately struck a kitten that was standing on the south shoulder of the roadway.
The incident was witnessed by another motorist traveling behind Leary, who observed the deliberate action, police said.
Leary continued westbound without stopping, according to police.
The witness turned around, located the injured kitten and immediately reported the incident to the Fort Plain Police Department.
The motorist subsequently transported the kitten to a veterinarian.
The kitten underwent surgery to remove a severely broken leg and is currently recovering.
Leary was issued an appearance ticket for aggravated cruelty to animals under Buster’s Law to appear in Town Court.
He also received a uniform traffic ticket for failure to keep right.
