Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) – A 40-year-old Walker man is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after a cat was found with a deep cut across its throat in June. The suspect, identified as Isaac Louis Johnson, is accused of chasing the cat with a knife and injuring it during an incident on June 16.
Johnson was formally charged on September 24 in Cass County District Court with overwork or mistreat animals-torture. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Johnson made his first appearance in the Cass County court on November 19.
Incident on Shing Wauk Drive
According to the criminal complaint, the incident happened at a home on Shing Wauk Drive Northwest in Walker. Investigators say Johnson went to the residence intoxicated and said he was going to harm the cat in retaliation. He told the homeowner he was upset because the homeowner’s boyfriend had kicked Johnson’s own cat in the past.
The cat’s owner told deputies that Johnson then chased the cat with a knife. She said she first believed the animal escaped unharmed. According to the complaint, Johnson’s brother took the knife away from him during the confrontation.
Cat Found With Severe Injuries
Later, when the cat returned to the home, the owner noticed a large wound on its throat and a cloudy eye. Cass County deputies documented what they described as “a large and deep slash mark across the entire front of the cat’s throat.” The animal survived the attack.
Suspect Provides Conflicting Story
Johnson admitted to investigators that he wanted to harm the cat in retaliation. He said he had a knife and picked up the cat, but denied intentionally cutting it. Johnson stated he cut his own hand and dropped the cat. When asked if he may have accidentally cut the animal, he told deputies he did not know because he was intoxicated.
The case remains active in Cass County District Court.
For information on Minnesota animal protection laws, visit the Minnesota Legislature website at revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/343.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
