Sign: Man Stepped On, Punched, And Beat Innocent Cat To Death

Published: February 22, 2024 at 07:14 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Syracuse, NY – On January 25, 2024, the animal cruelty unit of the Syracuse Police Department arrested 24-year-old Frank Paglia for killing a cat named Milo. According to the authorities, Paglia brutalized the cat so badly that he had to be humanely euthanized.

The authorities detail what led up to Milo’s severe injuries:

It’s alleged that Paglia tried to get a dog to attack Milo, but he was scratched by the cat. Paglia retaliated by stepping on and punching Milo, as well as hitting him with objects.

Describing the devastating injuries that were revealed in Milo’s necropsy:

Milo suffered a right eye orbital fracture, with displacement of the eye, a skull fracture, as well as an open rib fracture which led to breathing difficulty.

This cat suffered HORRIBLY before being euthanized. What type of man brutally attacks a small cat? A person this depraved and violent must be put behind bars, safely away from society. Please add your name to the petition today! Animal Victory needs your support to help ensure Paglia receives the maximum punishment for his felony aggravated cruelty to animals charge.

We the undersigned demand that Frank Paglia face the maximum sentence for his egregious abuse of this innocent cat. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for this individual to be punished to the fullest extent of the law for this depraved crime. 

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

Syracuse Police Department (Press Release)

CNY Central

Syracuse.com

Final Update 6/2/2025:  Paglia pled guilty to a misdemeanor on 09.23.2024. He was sentenced to three years of probation which began on January 13, 2025. Animal Victory is attempting to get more information about the terms of Paglia’s probation, specifically, his ability to be around animals. We thank everyone who signed the petition, helping to keep this case from being dismissed. 

Note regarding final update 6/2/2025: Animal Victory spoke with ADA Anthony Copani and learned that the charge was downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor because the witness was Frank Paglia’s girlfriend, and she has recanted her witness statement. Without the witness statement, the authorities had no other evidence tying Paglia to the event. Read more about the link between animal abuse and human violence at the National Link Coalition.

Update 7/03/2024: Frank Paglia’s next court appearance is July 24, 2024, 9:30 a.m. Case #CR-02228-24. Paglia was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals – a felony. He was released without bail.

Update July 01, 2024: Animal Victory sent the petition to the DA and Judge with updated signatures. 

Update March 15, 2024: Animal Victory sent the petition to the DA and Judge. 

Update March 8, 2024: Animal Victory spoke with Tara Kalil, an animal cruelty officer assigned to this case. The investigation into Frank Paglia has been completed and the case has now been transferred to the District Attorney’s office. At this time, they have not assigned a prosecutor to the case, and Paglia will be arraigned. There is no court date yet. Officer Kalil stated that she would call back as soon as a prosecutor had been assigned and a court date scheduled.