New Mexico Man Allegedly Choked His Cat, Fed It Meth

A New Mexico man who had been arrested for allegedly battering his girlfriend and choking his cat now reportedly faces a felony animal cruelty charge. According to the Las Cruces Police Department, the latest allegation was made after the feline's blood reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine.

Aaron Spaulding, 39, was arrested June 4 on suspicion of punching his girlfriend, stealing her cell phone, and refusing to let her leave his residence, authorities said.

A police statement posted on Facebook reads, "While investigating the allegations, police learned that Spaulding was possibly neglecting his two pets, a dog and male domestic shorthair cat, and abusing the feline by squeezing it until it cried out. He was also accused of strangulating and forcibly feeding methamphetamines to the cat."

A veterinarian reportedly tested the cat's blood, and the results came back positive for meth.

Due to the presence of the drug, one of Spaulding's two counts of animal cruelty was reportedly upgraded to felony status. Authorities said the new charge comes in addition to Spaulding's previous charges of false imprisonment, battery against a household member, and interference with communication.

A Las Cruces Police Department representative told People magazine the cat has been placed in "a loving home."

Read more: Las Cruces Police Department Facebook, People, USA Today, The New York Post