Over 20 cats found dead in a house; local man facing charges

WEST NEWTON, Pa. — Over 20 cats were found dead inside a house in Westmoreland County.

Information shared by Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli’s Office on Wednesday said Jonathan Hodgetts, of Charleroi, faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals and neglect.

Investigators say a woman who owned a house on N. Second Street in West Newton contacted police when she returned home after being away for the past year. Police said she was taking care of a sick cat during that time. The last time she saw them alive was in July 2026.

The woman told police Hodgetts was in charge of caring for the 21 animals left at the house while she was away, stating that she sent supplies to the house for him to use. She added that Hodgetts sent her pictures and assured her the cats were fine.

A veterinarian determined all of the cats died of starvation.

The victim said she was under the impression Hodgetts was “rescuing” the cats and getting them fixed so the two of them could start a cat sanctuary in a detached garage.

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