A Missoula man is facing charges of cruelty to animals and drug possession after allegedly abandoning seven geckos and a kitten outside his residence in freezing temperatures.
In a shocking incident that unfolded on November 27, 2023, a Missoula resident made a distressing discovery when she received a text message from her former boyfriend, Dennis Cregan. The message included a picture showing her beloved pets – seven geckos and a kitten – dumped outside their residence on Arcadia Drive. Concerned for their safety, she contacted the Missoula Police Department, setting off a chain of events that would lead to Cregan’s arrest on charges of animal cruelty and drug possession.
Officers Arrive at the Residence:
Upon receiving the report, Missoula Police Department officers swiftly responded to the address on Arcadia Drive. They encountered the female’s friend, who had arrived to retrieve the abandoned animals. Officers noticed a disarray on the front lawn, with children’s toys, a painting, boxes, and other household items scattered about. Among the items, they found a tipped-over glass terrarium with a digital thermometer, suggesting that the animals had been left exposed to the freezing temperatures.
Officers Search for the Animals:
With the friend’s assistance, officers began searching for the geckos and kitten. Despite the challenging conditions, they managed to locate three geckos hiding under discarded items in the yard. The animals appeared lethargic but were still alive. A fourth gecko was found separately, bringing the total number recovered to four. The animals were placed in a small aquarium and brought to the friend’s vehicle, where they could be warmed by a heater. Regrettably, three geckos remained missing.
A small tan kitten, matching the description of the abandoned pet, was discovered hiding under a table on the front porch. The officers retrieved the kitten and handed it over to the friend, who added it to the vehicle with the geckos. With the animals now safe, the officers continued their search for the remaining geckos but were unable to locate them.
Cregan Faces More Charges:
Following the search, the focus shifted to Dennis Cregan, the woman’s former boyfriend. The officers informed Cregan of his arrest and read him his Miranda rights. During the subsequent interview, Cregan admitted to intentionally abandoning the geckos, fully aware of their cold-blooded nature and the need for a suitable ambient temperature. He confessed that he had no intention of caring for the animals and acknowledged the freezing conditions at the time.
Cregan’s arrest took a further turn when a detention officer discovered a container that was supposed to contain nicotine pouches but instead held several Adderall pills, a schedule II stimulant drug. As a result, Cregan is now facing charges of felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs in addition to the eight counts of cruelty to animals.
Conclusion:
The incident in Missoula involving the abandonment of seven geckos and a kitten has shocked the community. The swift response by the Missoula Police Department ensured the rescue of four geckos and the kitten, preventing further harm to these defenseless animals. The charges against Dennis Cregan highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting or mistreating animals. As the legal process unfolds, this case serves as a reminder that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
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