A Bastrop pastor has been sentenced to a year of probation after being convicted of animal cruelty in the death of a cat.
The Austin American-Statesman reports Rick Bartlett was also ordered Monday to perform 50 hours of community service. He was a Bastrop police chaplain and pastor of Bastrop Christian Church at the time of his arrest.
After trapping the cat, Bartlett took it to the police department to be kenneled. According to testimony, when it was pointed out the cat had tags, Bartlett said he would return it.
Authorities believe the cat, found hours later injured in a park, jumped out of a cage in Bartlett's truck as he drove. Police say Bartlett told investigators he opened the cage, expecting the cat to jump out.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
