BATH, N.Y. (June 8, 2026) — In Defense of Animals is disappointed in the sentencing of Deshawn T. Miller, who was charged with aggravated animal cruelty for severely abusing a cat.

On June 4, Miller was sentenced by Judge Christopher Tunney to five years of probation, a $50 DNA order and $5939.57 in restitution. The assistant district attorney also requested an order prohibiting him from having animals for 20 years. An Extreme Risk Protection Order requested by the New York State Police was also granted last year in relation to this case. 

In November 2025, a man was seen bagging, kicking, and bashing a cat on the ground.  The cat, who was named Mister, was rushed by a witness to the Hornell Area Humane Society for emergency veterinary care. He had suffered from “a fracture of his left femur at the hip and multiple traumas causing blood in his chest and urine.” He was transported to Cornell University Hospital for Animals for intensive treatment, and has since recovered and been adopted.

Miller was identified and arrested by New York State Police Troopers, and charged under Agriculture and Markets Law § 353-a, aggravated cruelty to animals. To unjustifiably and intentionally kill or cause serious physical harm to an animal companion in a particularly cruel or sadistic manner is a Class E felony. The penalty is incarceration for up to two years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

The statute does not contain provisions for mental health evaluation and treatment, nor restrictions on engaging with animals. The judge has broad powers and may impose these terms.

In Defense of Animals submitted a letter to Steuben County District Attorney Brooks T. Baker with 12,572 signatures supporting maximum sentencing, including mental health treatment and a ban on engaging with animals.

“We’re thankful to law enforcement for their work on this case and the rescuers and veterinary staff who helped Mister recover and get a second chance in a safe and loving forever home,” said Doll Stanley, In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner. “Those who can harm animals in such a horrifying manner must be held accountable for the suffering they cause, and courts must impose penalties that reflect the severity of the case. Miller should have served time and been mandated to mental health counseling.” 

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Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in Marin Co., California, with over 250,000 supporters and fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi since 1983. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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