State Police arrest Putnam man for felony animal abuse

On December 4, 2023, State Police of Granville arrested Christian A. Nichols, 23, of Putnam, NY, for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth degree and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Agriculture & Markets Law).

On November 24, 2023, at about 11:00 a.m. Troopers received a complaint that a cat was missing, and the owner believed it had been intentionally injured. The investigation determined Nichols, who is known to the victim, reportedly fatally injured the animal. The cat was located deceased with an apparent gunshot wound and other injuries in the area near its home. A long gun and illegally possessed expandable Billy Club was located in Nichols’s home and seized as part of the investigation.

Nichols was arrested in Glen Falls, NY, and transported to SP Granville for processing. He was arraigned at the Granville Town Court and released on his own recognizance.