SPENCERPORT, N.Y. — A Spencerport firefighter has been charged with torturing and injuring animals after an attempted cat rescue ended with the animal’s death.
The Spencerport Fire District was dispatched on Oct. 3, 2025, to help remove a cat from a tree. Video of the incident showed Firefighter Douglas McPherson using a hoseline, causing the cat to fall and suffer serious injuries, WHAM reported. The cat was euthanized the next day.
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Spencerport Fire District Chief Jake Bromage later criticized the tactics used by crews during the rescue.
“As a first responder, it’s very difficult to do these cases because we know that their intention is to help,” Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement Vice President Reno DiDomenico said. “However, if the first responders’ actions go beyond their scope of helping or might go outside the line of taking action too far, then they need to be held accountable.”
In a statement, the Spencerport Fire District outlined changes made since the incident and referred to McPherson as a former member.
“The Spencerport Fire District is aware that the Humane Society of Greater Rochester filed charges against a former member for an incident on October 3rd 2025. The District cooperated fully with the investigation. We have revised our standard operating guidelines and implemented additional training for all personnel to ensure appropriate tactics are used in similar situations moving forward. The District will not comment further on a pending matter and will respect the legal process.”
If convicted, McPherson could face up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
How would your department have handled this call? Do you believe the charges are justified?
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