Pair of Philipsburg men charged with animal cruelty after cat is euthanized
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Two Philipsburg men face felony charges after failing to treat cat's infection.
- Veterinarian deemed euthanasia necessary after observing cat's severe injuries.
- Defendants remain jailed on $1,000 bail pending a June 18 preliminary hearing.
Two Philipsburg men were charged Wednesday after their cat was euthanized because of a chronic infection that a veterinarian said likely could have been treated had they sought care.
Michael S. Reish, 61, and Seamus S. Reish, 59, were charged with a felony count of aggravated animal cruelty and a misdemeanor count of animal neglect. No defense lawyer was listed.
The Centre County Sheriff’s Office said in an affidavit of probable cause that it received photographs last week showing a cat with “catastrophic” facial injuries. A “substantial portion” of Apollo’s jaw was missing.
The Reishes said they were aware of the cat’s injuries for several months and did not seek care because they believed he would be euthanized if brought to a vet, the humane officer wrote.
After surrendering Apollo, the officer said he saw an advanced infection on the Apollo’s face. One of the cat’s eyes was “compromised and likely non-functional” and he struggled to breathe, the officer wrote.
Apollo was euthanized at an animal hospital after a vet said it was the “most humane course of action.”
Each were arraigned Wednesday by District Judge Greg Koehle, who set bail at $1,000. They are incarcerated at the Centre County Correctional Facility.
Each has a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 18.
This story was originally published June 12, 2025 at 12:27 PM.