A Farmington, New York, man convicted of fracturing a kitten’s leg in December was sentenced to 6 months in Ontario County Jail and five years of probation, according to the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office.
Keaghn Picaro, who was 30 at the time of his arrest in December, pled guilty to aggravated crueltyto animals, second-degree criminal contempt and resisting arrest, the DA’s Office announced.
The charges stem from Picaro’s arrest on Christmas Day after police responded to a reported domestic-related altercation in his room at the Finger Lakes Hotel on Loomis Road, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office stated in Dec. 2025. Officers found a five-month-old domestic shorthair male kitten with serious injuries in the room.
“Animal cruelty cases are disturbing and will be prosecuted seriously in Ontario County,” Ontario County District Attorney Jason MacBride said. “We are grateful for the partnership between law enforcement and the Humane Society in protecting vulnerable animals who cannot protect themselves.”
Picaro was sentenced in Ontario County Court by Judge Stefanie L. Barnes on Tuesday, April 21.
Here is what to know about Picaro’s charges and an update on the injured kitten.
Injured kitten on the road to recovery, available for adoption
On Dec. 25, Picaro struck the kitten, named “Smokey,” multiple times throughout the day because the kitten was not using its litter box, OCSO said following Picaro’s arrest in 2025. The Humane Society took the kitten to receive medical attention and found that it had fractured its right hind leg.
The DA’s office stated that Smokey is continuing to recover from his injuries and is available for adoption through the Ontario County Humane Society.
As part of Picaro’s April 21 sentence, he has been prohibited from owning, purchasing, or being around any animals. He waived his right to appeal, and an order of protection was issued for the victim.
Those interested in adopting Smokey can contact the Ontario County Humane Society by visiting OntarioCountyHumaneSociety.org or calling (585) 396-4590.
The Humane Society is located at 2976 County Road 48 in Canandaigua.
— Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY man sentenced after fracturing kitten’s leg; injured cat now up for adoption
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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