Man investigated in animal-abuse probe

WASHINGTON, Washington County — A 23-year-old man is under investigation for animal abuse after witnesses said they saw him run over one kitten and seriously injure another after throwing them out of his pickup truck window near Washington city on Saturday.

Washington County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Robert Tersigni said witnesses told a responding deputy that on Saturday afternoon they saw a man pull to the side of Washington Dam Road just outside Washington city limits and throw three kittens out of his truck. The witnesses, who had been driving behind the man, pulled over as the man sped away.

Tersigni said witnesses saw one of the kittens killed instantly by the truck, and when they stopped, found another kitten severely injured. That kitten later required a leg amputation and is recovering. The third kitten was traumatized but unhurt.

Tersigni said the witnesses were not able to positively identify the man, but that an investigation is ongoing and the case would be submitted to the Washington County District Attorney.