Failed Cat Rescue Leads to Spencerport, NY, Firefighter Being Charged

A former Spencerport firefighter was charged with torturing an animal after he used a deck gun to remove a cat from a tree. The cat suffered severe injuries from the fall, which ultimately led to its death.

On Oct. 3, 2025, Douglas McPherson responded to Lollypop Farm where video showed a deck gun flowing a large volume of water toward the cat, causing it to fall.

13WHAM reported that McPherson was charged with torturing and injuring animals. That could result in one-year jail sentence and a $1,000 fine. 

"He used a water cannon on top of an aerial truck to spray at the cat and to force it out of the tree," said Reno DiDomenico, vice president of Lollypop Farm Humane Law Enforcement.

Spencerport Fire Chief Jake Bromage condemned the tactics that were used in the attempted rescue, and an investigation was shortly initiated after the incident.

"The trust and confidence in our community are extremely important to us, and we recognize that this situation fell short of the professionalism our neighbors expect and deserve," Bromage said in a statement.

"As a first responder, it's very difficult to do these cases because we know that their intention is to help," DiDomenico said. "However, if the first responders actions go beyond their scope of helping or might go outside the line of taking action too far, then they need to be held accountable."

McPherson was referred to as a former member in a statement by the Spencerport Fire District:

"The Spencerport Fire District is aware that the Humane Society of Greater Rochester filed charges against a former member for an incident on Oct. 3, 2025. The District cooperated fully with the investigation. We have revised our standard operating guidelines and implemented additional training for all personnel to ensure appropriate tactics are used in similar situations moving forward. The District will not comment further on a pending matter and will respect the legal process."