Issac Oliver

Strangling a cat, killing it and attempting to drag another down the street

Schenectady, NY

Dec. 2003

Oliver, age 58, was arrested for intentionally killing a cat by strangling it while walking down Union Street.

Police stated there was also another attempt to kill another cat by using a rope and dragging it down the street.

Oliver was sent to the Schenectady County Jail to await arraignment.

Update January 22, 2004

Oliver's hearing is set for Friday, March 19, 2004 at the Schenectady County Courthouse at 612 State St.

Oliver has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals by abusing 2 cats while walking down Union St. A witness reported Oliver tied a rope around one cat's neck, killing it, and then violently dragging the other cat down the sidewalk. The witness reported the incident to police who located and arrested Oliver at his Union St. apartment.

Update October 22, 2004

Oliver pleaded guilty after a jury deadlocked. His plea will allow him to conclude his jail term for this incident. He still faces five years probation and will be prohibited from owning any pets during that time.

A witness told police Oliver used the cord to break the neck of the first cat, wrapping it around its neck and yanking it. Oliver then wrapped the cord around the second cat's neck, dragging it behind him and leaving blood on the sidewalk, police said.

The witness attempted to intervene after the attack on the first cat, police said, but Oliver told her to mind her own business. The witness contacted police. They located him at his apartment where he was arrested.

Animal control officers found the second cat alive, with the cord still tied around its neck. It later recovered. Oliver was indicted in December on one count each of aggravated cruelty to animals and attempted aggravated cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor. He has been held at the Schenectady county jail since the incident on $25,000 bail.

Attorney John Della Ratta defended Oliver. The case was tried before acting Schenectady County Court Judge Polly Hoye.

References:

Capital 9 News