A kitten is recovering in Pennsylvania after a man claimed to have skinned part of its face last week because he thought it was a jaguar, authorities said.
Richard Swangler, 56, called police to a residence in West Hempfield Township early March 3 for a report of a wild animal, which he said he believed was a black jaguar, inside the home, the Bureau said. of the Lancaster County District Attorney.
Responding officers found Swandler inside the home with scratch and bite marks on his arms. Instead of a wild animal, police found a kitten with serious facial injuries.
The kitten's chin was “completely ungloved, down to the bone,” according to the Organization for Responsible Animal Care (ORCA), which cares for the 6-month-old cat named Nakia.
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Richard Swangler, 56, was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a felony. He had also been arrested on outstanding warrants for violation of probation. (Lancaster County District Attorney's Office)
“We are not sure how or why this man was able to cause such damage to Nakia's face,” ORCA said.
Nakia, a 6-month-old kitten, is expected to make a full recovery. (ORCA – Organization for Responsible Animal Care)
It was unclear if Swandler was the kitten's owner.
Swandler was arrested on outstanding probation violation warrants. He was also charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty.
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Swandler is being held at the Lancaster County Jail on $15,000 bond.
Nakia's chin had been “degloved to the bone,” the organization said. (ORCA – Organization for Responsible Animal Care)
While Nakia is expected to make a full recovery, ORCA said the kitten is not yet ready for adoption.
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“She has made everyone quickly fall in love with her because of her sweet personality,” the organization said. “She has received all the pets and love she deserves!”
