Sign:Bronx Man Accused of Throwing Family Cat Shadow From 15-Story Window to Death
Published: June 01, 2026 at 11:36 PM Author: Animal Welfare Investigative Writer & Petition Author
Representative image
Bronx, New York – A Bronx man is accused of hurling his family cat, Shadow, from a 15-story apartment window in a fit of rage. According to prosecutors, 32-year-old Miguel Perez threw Shadow out the window of his apartment at NYCHA’s Mitchel Houses in Mott Haven after the little cat scratched him.
Shadow died when he hit the pavement below.
AT A GLANCE
Miguel Perez, 32, allegedly hurled his pet cat, Shadow, from a 15-story apartment window.
Shadow died after hitting the pavement below.
Prosecutors allege Perez flew into a fit of rage after Shadow scratched him on March 4, 2026.
Perez was indicted on May 26 on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and torturing and injuring animals.
Perez is due back in court on July 21, 2026.
In a statement, District Attorney Darcel Clark commented on the act of cruelty:
“We are supposed to love and care for our companion animals. Allegedly, in a fit of rage, this defendant tossed the family’s cat out of his apartment window, causing the animal’s death. The abuse of animals will not be tolerated.”
Representative image of Shadow
Shadow deserved love and protection…he did not deserve to be hurled from a 15-story window. He did not deserve to plummet over 100 feet and crash into the pavement below. If you are as sickened by this cruelty as we are, please add your name to the petition today!
Perez was indicted and faces:
Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Agriculture & Markets Law §353-a) — a Class E felony punishable by up to 2 years in state prison
Torturing and Injuring Animals (Agriculture & Markets Law §353) — a Class A misdemeanor
If found guilty on all charges, Perez may face a maximum of three years in prison.
New York Final Animal Welfare Laws 2025
Decision Maker: Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark
Why This Petition Matters
Miguel Perez intentionally picked up his family cat, Shadow, and hurled him to his death. Shadow’s last moments were filled with terror and pain. No animal should die like this. Violence against animals is often a warning sign of violence against people. When a person is willing to kill a family pet in a fit of rage, the community is at risk. We demand this case be given the seriousness it deserves. We demand that Miguel Perez face full accountability under the law.
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Editor’s Note: Shadow’s sex has not been publicly reported. For the purposes of this petition, Shadow has been referred to as male because Shadow was a living, breathing, sentient animal who deserved dignity, compassion, and recognition as more than an “it.”
Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.