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400 Towers resident jailed without bail for allegedly killing his cat by burning it alive in hot oven

By Billie Owens

Mug shots of Darren Annovi.

A 42-year-old man who lives in 400 Towers on East Main Street in the city is charged with aggravated animal cruelty for allegedly killing his cat by putting the live animal in a burning hot oven last night.

Darren Annovi, of Apt. #630, was arrested after firefighters responded to a reported smoke-fire alarm activation call. Upon arrival at 9:08 p.m. on Monday, firefighters found the apartment filled with light smoke. "Further investigation revealed the cause of the smoke to be a deceased cat, located in the oven," says the police report.

"We interviewed the individual in reference to what had taken place and determined he was the one who caused the cat to die," said Batavia PD spokesman Det. Eric Hill. "Our investigation indicates the cat was alive when it was placed in the oven."

Hill said he could not discuss how police made that determination or what Annovi's motive may have been. The cat's age is unknown.

Batavia Police interviewed Annovi then arrested him. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court before Judge Balbick and put in Genesee County Jail without bail. Annovi is to reappear in Batavia City Court at 10 a.m. Wednesdsay. Batavia PD is working closely with the management at Batavia Housing Authority in reference to the case.

Linda LaPorte

Sorry Howard for my quick reaction/comment to this news story. I understand.
Just so heartbreaking to hear of this cat’s horrible demise.

Jul 12, 2016, 9:23pm Permalink
Bob Price

When my mom was there (3 years ago) pets are allowed,just need an extra security deposit for them. It used to be for the elderly, they allow disabled folks in there also.

Jul 12, 2016, 10:14pm Permalink
Sean McKellar

"doesn't surprise me, maybe the guy ran out of funds on his benefits (entitlement) card and was hungry......"

Once again I am impressed by the amount of pure ignorance packed into a few words. I would love to hear Mr. Spaulding's ideas about how to treat the mentally ill.

Jul 12, 2016, 10:16pm Permalink
Don Patterson

This is really gross and disgusting, so my cat says as she reads over my shoulder. Seriously, this is what you get when you put people with mental challenges into the community without a safety net.

Jul 12, 2016, 10:31pm Permalink
jeff saquella

where in this story does it say he is mentally challenged...although you would have to be to do that to a poor helpless animal.....give this guy the stiffest penalty possible

Jul 13, 2016, 12:53am Permalink
Bob Price

Good thing my mom isn't still around to see this,let alone where she lived. She was an AVID animal lover and she definitely would've tried to run him over w/ her powerchair or hit him with her walker. I truly hope they do not let him continue to live there whenever he gets out of jail.....

Jul 13, 2016, 4:03pm Permalink

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