PA Elected Official Jailed After Cat Found In Boyfriend's Apartment

WASHINGTON, PA — Washington County Controller April Sloane was jailed Wednesday for violating terms of her bail after a cat was found living in her boyfriend's apartment where she currently resides.

Sloane was freed after being charged with animal cruelty last December in connection with the starvation death of her dog, Thor; conditions of the bail were that Sloane was not to own a pet or have access to animals.

The Washington County District Attorney's Office filed a revocation motion last week after discovering the feline was living in the apartment in the two weeks after Sloane had moved in with her boyfriend. Police began investigating after receiving an anonymous tip about the animal.

First Assistant District Attorney Leslie Ridge that the cat being in Sloane's presence flagrantly violated her bond, the Observer-Reporter of Washington reported.

Thor, the canine, died of emaciation and weighed only 20 pounds when it perished -- less than half of what its weight should have been. Police said they found the dog's body wrapped in a garbage bag placed in the basement garage of Sloane's home.

Sloane is awaiting trial on two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one misdemeanor charge of animal neglect.

Sloane, a Republican, took office in January 2022 and will be up for re-election in November 2025.