Bedford Co. man charged after being witnessed shooting, killing cat with pellet gun

Bedford County, PA (WJAC) — State police in Bedford County say a Riddlesburg man is facing charges of animal cruelty after another man allegedly witnessed him shooting and killing a woman's cat with a pellet gun.

According to the affidavit, troopers were dispatched to a residence along Paris Road, in Broad Top Township, in December to investigate an alleged animal cruelty complaint.

Troopers say the woman reported that one of her cats had been shot and killed by 35-year-old Shane Rickabaugh.

Police say the woman claimed that one of her relatives had reportedly witnessed the shooting.

Troopers say the woman explained that she houses several cats, who often run around outside on her property.

According to the witness, troopers say Rickabaugh was reportedly walking down the street and attempted to "shoo" one of the cats away.

Police say the man then witnessed Rickabaugh return to his residence and retrieve a gun, a which point he allegedly proceeded to fire two shots at the cat.

Investigators say no signs of blood were found near where the cat was shot, but the animal was later found dead on the woman's property and a pellet was removed from its fur.

According to online court records, Rickabaugh was Tuesday on one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals and was released on unsecured bail.

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