MIAMI, FLORIDA - Two people have been charged after prosecutors say a kitten died back in October following a botched declawing operation.
Carmenza Piedrahita and Geronimo Gonzalez are charged with felony animal cruelty. Law enforcement photos
Miami-Dade prosecutors say Piedrahita turned to Gonzalez, who along with another man, performed the procedure on her kitten, whose name was Toby. Authorities say Toby fell ill and was in severe pain before being taken to a clinic nearly two weeks later, where he later died.
The second man has not yet been charged.
Piedrahita’s lawyer Christian Dunham says Piedrahita believed Gonzalez was a veterinarian. Miami-Dade police say Piedrahita knew that Gbonzalez wasn’t a licensed vet.
Gonzalez pleaded not guilty on Wednesday and says he only assisted with the procedure.
The declawing of cats is legal in Florida but only when performed by a licensed veterinarian.