WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A former Wausau resident accused of beating his ex-girlfriend’s cat to within inches of her life is working towards a plea deal with the state.
Court records show that Andrew Gehr is no longer scheduled for a one-day trial in late August for a felony count of mistreatment of animals- causing death. Instead, his defense team and the state have agreed to reset the trial process as they continue to work toward a resolution.
Charges against him stem from an August 2021 incident in which Gehr is accused of beating the cat, then hiding her in a shed while pretending to help his ex’s family look for her.
The cat was found a few days later and rushed to the vet. She had to be put down due to her injuries, with the vet comparing them to being kicked by a large animal.
The vet said she likely lost brain function and sight.
Gehr reportedly admitted that he knew the cat was still alive when he hid her in a shed and also admitted to “playing stupid” while helping his ex look for the cat. He added that he “needs help with his anger.”
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Gehr, who recently relocated to Mankato, Minnesota, was originally facing a misdemeanor count in connection with the incident. That changed after his ex’s friends and family petitioned the judge for a felony count, which was granted in February 2022. He has pled not guilty to all charges.
No further court action was immediately set.
