DEFUNIAK SPRINGS - A man was arrested Wednesday afternoon for brutally beating a cat, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
Shawn David Ball, 22, of DeFuniak Springs, ran from deputies who arrived at his home at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday, the Sheriff's Office reported. Ball was found and arrested about three hours later.
On Sept. 5, Ball beat a cat named “Pablo” with his hands, causing multiple cuts, hemorrhages and broken ribs, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He also burned Pablo’s face, body and genitals with an unknown heat source. The cat’s ear was left deformed.
Investigators went to Ball’s home the same day and found Pablo dead in a litter box. Blood and cat hair were found on bed sheets, which were collected for evidence.
Ball was charged with animal cruelty and resisting officers without violence.
