Firefighter dispatched to get cat out of tree used high powered hose, charged w/ crime, Fire chief condemns his actions

Lollypop Farm announced Tuesday that a Spencerport firefighter was charged after causing a cat's death during an attempted rescue.

Douglas McPherson was dispatched with the Spencerport Fire District to help remove a cat from a tree Oct. 3, according to Lollypop Farm. Video of the incident showed him using a high-powered hose, which caused the cat to fall from the tree and suffer serious injuries that led to its death.

"He used a water cannon on top of an aerial truck to spray at the cat and to force it out of the tree," said Reno DiDomenico, vice president of Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement.

Following the incident, Spencerport Fire Chief Jake Bromage condemned the tactics used and said an investigation was underway.

McPherson was charged with torturing and injuring animals.

https://13wham.com/news/local/spencerport-firefighter-charged-following-failed-rescue-of-cat-stuck-in-tree-high-powered-hose-tactics-animal-cruelty-arrest-lollypop-farm-humane-law-enforcement


"As a first responder, it's very difficult to do these cases because we know that their intention is to help," DiDomenico said. "However, if the first responders actions go beyond their scope of helping or might go outside the line of taking action too far, then they need to be held accountable."

In a statement, the Spencerport Fire District said outlined the changes it has made and referred to McPherson as a former member.