Businessman George H. Boyd was convicted of Aggravated Animal Cruelty on Friday, November 7, 2025, after fatally shooting his neighbor’s pet cat.
Boyd entered an open plea, leading to his adjudication as a convicted felon — a result prosecutors pushed for to ensure he can never legally possess a firearm again.
Dispute Over ‘Feral Cat’ Led to Felony Conviction
The Sarasota Police Department investigated the November 15, 2024 incident. Boyd, whose business was reportedly facing difficulties, initially claimed he was addressing a neighborhood feral cat issue when he shot the animal. Investigators later confirmed the cat belonged to a neighbor, who described the loss as heartbreaking.
Boyd proceeded with an open plea after the State Attorney’s Office, led by Ed Brodsky, defeated a defense Motion to Discharge the case.
During the November 4, 2025 sentencing hearing at the Sarasota County Circuit Courthouse, Judge Donna Padar heard conflicting accounts of Boyd’s actions and intent.
Despite his plea, Boyd claimed he acted to protect his business, but his statement was directly contradicted by the cat’s owner, who testified she saw the cat on her property before it collapsed in the street.
Prosecutor Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Lata emphasized evidence that refuted Boyd’s claims: “There was no evidence whatsoever that the cat was ever even on defendant’s property that day and that even if it was, that would not create a basis for killing it.”
Lata also noted the owner’s testimony that she saw Boyd hide the rifle by his leg and run from the scene — behavior that suggested he knew his actions were wrong.
Although the charge carried a maximum sentence of five years, the key issue during sentencing was whether Boyd, a first-time offender, would receive a Withhold of Adjudication.
The State Attorney’s Office strongly opposed this, arguing it was “critical he be adjudicated a convicted felon to prevent him from ever possessing a firearm again based on the defendant’s dangerous and egregious conduct in this case.”
Judge Padar sided with the prosecution, issuing an adjudication of guilt and formally designating Boyd a convicted felon. Boyd’s sentence includes incarceration followed by probation.
“Senseless violence towards animals should never be tolerated in Florida,” said Assistant State Attorney Lata. “I am pleased the court recognized the severity of the defendant’s actions and held the defendant accountable.”
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