SEYMOUR — A 19-year-old Seymour man faces criminal charges after authorities discovered a deceased cat abandoned in a cage at a campsite along the East Fork White River.
Christopher Spurlin was arrested Saturday evening and booked into the Jackson County Jail in Brownstown on a Class A misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty. According to jail records, Spurlin was released on his own recognizance shortly after booking.
The case began when Jackson County Officer Kevin Settle was dispatched to the Rockford area, just north of Seymour, following a tip from a concerned citizen. Upon arrival at the abandoned campsite, Settle and the citizen discovered the remains of a cat still trapped inside a cage.
Witnesses at the scene provided crucial information to investigators, alleging that Spurlin had previously been living at the site with several dogs and the cat.
According to the sheriff’s department, witnesses reported that when temperatures began to drop, Spurlin removed his dogs from the campsite but left the cat behind. The investigation suggests the animal was left unattended for two to three weeks without care or food before it succumbed to the elements.
During a subsequent interview with Officer Settle, Spurlin reportedly admitted to leaving the cat at the site.
Jackson County Sheriff Rick Meyer praised the diligent work of the responding deputy and the community members who spoke up.
“This arrest reflects a deputy who refused to walk away,” Sheriff Meyer said in a news release. “He spoke with witnesses and held someone accountable for animal cruelty.”
Under Indiana law, a Class A misdemeanor for animal cruelty can carry a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
