Former Central Wisconsin Resident Found Guilty of Animal Abuse

Monday, February 24th, 2025 -- 2:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) A former Central Wisconsin resident has been found guilty of animal abuse for beating his former girlfriend’s cat.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Andrew Gehr pled no contest to a count of mistreatment of animals, causing death, during a virtual court appearance on Wednesday.

A second count for intentionally mistreating an animal was dismissed but read into the record. Judge Gregory Strasser then found Gehr guilty. An argued sentencing date was then scheduled for April 7th at 11 AM.

Gehr beat the animal after an argument with his ex, then hid the cat in a shed and pretended to help the family look for her for days. Veterinarians said the cat likely lost brain function and eyesight from the beating.

The 34-year-old initially faced lighter charges in connection with the incident, but family members successfully petitioned the court for a stiffer penalty in the fall of 2021.

The case had been scheduled for trial a few times, only to be called off for one reason or another. Gehr now lists a Mankato, Minnesota address. He faces up to 3.5 years in prison and thousands in fines on the felony count.

He could also face additional prison time as a repeat offender.

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