Abused MA Cat Swung By Tail, Slammed To Ground, Soon Up For Adoption In Boston: MSPCA

CAMBRIDGE, MA — A young cat that the MSPCA said was seen in a video being swung by his tail, slammed to the ground repeatedly, and falling from the upper floor of an apartment building will soon be up for adoption while the cat's former owner faces animal cruelty charges in Cambridge.

MSPCA Law Enforcement said Cambridge Animal Control reached out after an anonymous complaint reported that the cat — named Sage — was being abused behind an apartment building.

"We began investigating and ended up finding video that appears to show the cat falling from an upper floor before it looks like the defendant swings him by his tail and slams him on the ground repeatedly and then brings him back inside," MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said.

MSPCA Law Enforcement said Jaydan Depina was arraigned on two counts of animal cruelty in Cambridge District Court on July 29. He was expected to return to court for a dangerousness hearing later this week.

"Obviously, Sage has some healing to do, but we were able to get him on the right track shortly after we were looped in, thanks to collaboration between us, Cambridge Police, and Cambridge Animal Control," Schindler said. "We're extremely appreciative of the close working relationship that we have, without which we wouldn’t have been able to quickly get both custody of the cat and an arrest."

Sage underwent diagnostic imaging at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center Clinic to reveal that he suffered a broken tail and lung contusions.

"Sage was brought to Angell after allegedly falling from a building late last year," Schindler said. "He fractured the roof of his mouth and toes, but there was no reason to suspect cruelty at that point.

"The new imaging revealed not only Sage's recent injuries, but also rib and toe fractures that veterinarians believe he suffered at least four weeks ago, if not longer, which is often consistent with abuse."

Sage was described as shy when he first round but has opened up during his care as he has become more comfortable.

"It’s been remarkable watching him become social, happy, and loving — something that wouldn’t be possible without the incredible work of those treating and caring for him," Schindler said.

Sage is expected to undergo neuter surgery on July 30, and will be available for adoption at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center shortly afterward.

Interested adopters are asked to visit the Boston Adoption Center during open hours, which are Tuesday through Sunday — noon to 3 p.m.

Anyone with information on potential animal cruelty may submit a tip online at here or by phone at 617-522-6008 or 800-628-5808.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)