Woman Charged After Abandoning Her Cat On Roadside

MONROE, NC — Police have charged a 48-year-old woman with felony Cruelty to Animals after they say she abandoned her cat on the side of the road Thursday.

Officials say Michelle Raymond admitted to leaving her 11-year-old cat on Willis Long Road with a bowl of dry food on June 22nd. According to investigators, the cat suffered from a kidney disease and Raymond said she could not care for the animal any longer.

Volunteers with the rescue organization that reported the incident, along with local police, have searched the area. So far, they say they have been unable to locate the cat.

Officials say the cat is a yellow and white male and answers to the name Samson.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4722.

Raymond is charged with felony Cruelty to Animals and misdemeanor Abandonment of Animals. She is being held on a $5,000 secured bond.