The SPCA Westchester says it arrested a Port Chester man for throwing and injuring a cat.

The arrest was made during a joint investigation with Rye Brook police.

SPCA Westchester says Anthony Lopez was charged with animal cruelty.

Officials with SPCA Westchester say they received a call on their confidential cruelty hotline that a young cat named Mittens was violently thrown by Lopez at a residence in Rye Brook on April 22.

It says a video recording captured the frightened cat being grabbed and thrown across the front yard two times during a dispute.

"The cat did have a laceration on its head that was fresh, so we were able to get medical care for the cat," says Ernest Lungaro, director of the Humane Law Enforcement Division with SPCA Westchester.

Lungaro says Mittens is in a safe location and is doing well.

People around the Hudson Valley tell News 12 they are deeply disturbed by these allegations.

"It's a shame, there's no need for that you know?" says Briarcliff Manor resident Andrew Morrissey.

Lopez is due back in court on May 16.

SPCA Westchester says it is investigating deceased cat was found at the same location recently.

If you witness or suspect an animal is being neglected or abused, the SPCA urges people to call its confidential animal cruelty hotline at 914-941-7797.

SPCA Westchester’s Animal Rescue Center is located in Briarcliff Manor and is not affiliated with any national animal welfare organizations.