South Florida Man Charged With Beating Girlfriend’s Cats After Hidden Camera Captures Shocking Abuse
CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA — A South Florida man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after police say a hidden camera recorded him beating his girlfriend’s cats inside their home while she was away.
Camera Footage Exposes Alleged Abuse
According to the Cape Coral Police Department, officers responded Tuesday to a report from a woman who told investigators she had seen her boyfriend punching her cat on video while she was out of the house.
The woman said she became suspicious days earlier after noticing “weird injuries” on one of her cats, including a hurt leg. When she asked her boyfriend — identified as Travis Keith Fehr — what had happened, he told her the two cats had gotten into a fight.
Police say the woman didn’t believe his explanation and decided to set up a hidden camera in the room where the cats usually stayed.
“He Pulled It From Under the Bed and Punched It Repeatedly”
When the woman checked the footage later, what she saw horrified her.
The video showed Fehr pulling one of the cats from under the bed, pinning it to the ground, and punching it multiple times.
“While she was not at home, the camera showed Fehr pull one of the cats from under the bed, hold it on the ground, and punch it repeatedly,” Cape Coral police said.
Police said Fehr later texted his girlfriend apologizing for hitting the cat, apparently admitting to the abuse.
Cats Taken to Veterinary Clinic
When officers arrived, they noted visible injuries to one of the cats, including blood around its mouth. Both cats were immediately taken to a veterinary clinic for medical treatment and observation.
Arrest and Charges
Fehr was taken into custody and booked into the Lee County Jail on one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony under Florida law.
He could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
Community Outrage
The disturbing case has sparked outrage among Cape Coral residents and animal rights advocates, with local shelters urging stronger penalties for repeat offenders.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking,” said one volunteer with the Cape Coral Animal Shelter. “Anyone capable of doing something like this to a defenseless animal shouldn’t be anywhere near pets.”
Police reminded residents to report all suspected cases of animal cruelty and emphasized that hidden cameras and home surveillance can often be key in exposing abuse that might otherwise go unseen.
Anyone who suspects animal cruelty in Lee County can contact Cape Coral Animal Control at 239-574-0800 or the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Task Force at 239-477-1000.
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