Florida man accused of poisoning girlfriend’s cat with amphetamines, police say

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities arrested a Florida man Saturday on suspicion of poisoning his live-in girlfriend’s cat after a night of binge-drinking, according to Seminole County sheriff’s deputies.

Deputies arrested Frank Jesse, 45, on a felony charge of animal cruelty and a misdemeanor domestic battery charge. He remained jailed Monday.

According to an arrest report, Jesse’s girlfriend checked his phone after a long day of drinking and after the family cat, Oliver, began exhibiting odd behavior. She discovered text messages to a friend in which he said he was going to poison the cat, according to authorities. She also found a search on how to kill a cat with amphetamines in his history, the arrest report said.

“According to witnesses, (Oliver) was walking in circles, its pupils were dilated, and it obviously caused this cat a considerable amount of pain and suffering,” Seminole County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Bob Kealing said.

Authorities said Jesse’s girlfriend confronted him about the messages and the cat’s behavior, sparking a physical altercation between the two.

Deputies arrested and charged Jesse. Oliver the cat was taken to a nearby veterinarian, where authorities said he tested positive for amphetamines.

“This is a very serious charge," Kealing said. "This is something we won’t tolerate."

The animal cruelty felony charge carries with it the possibility of up to five years in prison, if Jesse is convicted, Kealing said.

The Cox Media Group National Content Desk contributed to this report.

© 2019 Cox Media Group