Animal Control Officer Accused of Killing Animals

LACKAWANNA, N.Y

A Lackawanna animal control officer is accused of killing at least three animals.

The SPCA's Executive Director makes it her mission to help protect helpless animals. So she finds it appalling that anyone would abuse or kill an animal.

Barbara Carr, SPCA: "I don't ever want to have to arrest another animal control officer. It is disgusting."

Barbara Carr tells us an animal cruelty investigator began looking into the actions of Fred Grasso after receiving anonymous tips from people who live in this Lackawanna neighborhood.

Tricia Cruz: "The animal control officer in this case was apparently responding to a complaint from the landlord at the apartment complex. Cats were getting into the basement."

One woman who lives in the complex tells us a cat had recently given birth to seven kittens. She urged the landlord to call animal control services so someone could help find them a home. Some of them were relocated. But the mother cat and two of her kittens were shot and killed instead.

Barbara Carr, SPCA: "This is the second animal control officer we've had to arrest in six months. Is really a sad state of affairs."