By Katy GAgnon
An Astoria man was arrested last week and accused of animal cruelty for allegedly repeatedly stepping on his Persian cat, according to the Queens district attorney's office.
Christakis Panayi, of 30-47 34 St., was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals July 9 after he allegedly stepped on his white Persian cat repeatedly and for no apparent reason while inside his home, officials said. The abuse occurred sometime between April 30 and May 6.
Investigators from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals determined that Panayi repeatedly stomped on his 7-month-old cat, Atosa, while wearing cowboy boots, the Daily News reported Thursday.
Panayi admitted to stepping on his cat more than once, according to the criminal complaint. He also said he lived alone and was the sole owner of the indoor cat, the document said.
The investigation into the abuse began after Panayi brought his cat to Dr. Robert Reisman, an ASPCA veterinarian, who later reported the cat's condition to authorities, a Queens DA spokeswoman said.
After an examination, Reisman determined the cat had suffered five bone fractures, bruising and severe injuries to the chin and jaw that would make it impossible for the cat to open her mouth normally again, the complaint said. Reisman also ruled that the cat had been struck with a blunt force object more than once, the complaint said.
Panayi was arraigned in the Queens Criminal Court July 9 and released without posting bail. He was ordered to return to court Sept. 10, when a trial could be set depending on the outcome of the investigation, a Queens DA spokeswoman said.
If convicted, Panayi could face up to four years in prison.
Reach reporter Katy Gagnon by e-mail at kgagnon@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext 174.
