Woman facing charges after admitting to pouring bleach on cat food: Court docs

CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A Chester woman is facing animal cruelty charges after a video showing bleach being poured on cat food circulated widely online.

Lauren Carter, 35, has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals in connection with the April incident, which was captured on video and later went viral.

The video shows a woman pouring bleach over piles of cat food while a cat approaches and sniffs the contaminated food.

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"You gotta pay for bad decisions," said Olivia Oliver of Chester, who owns the cat seen in the video.

According to a criminal complaint, Carter admitted to police that she poured bleach on the cat food. Authorities said there is no evidence that any animals consumed the tainted food.

The cat seen in the video, named Jumper, appeared unharmed when found at his home.

Oliver said she believes police handled the situation appropriately.

"I think it's enough. I think it's a good sign; it's a warning for her. And basically, I'm glad she's going to pay for what she did. And hopefully nothing like this happens again around here," Oliver said.

Oliver also expressed relief that Jumper was not harmed.

"I appreciate everybody who stepped up because this is an old cat, and he deserves to die of old age. Not being tortured or poisoned," she said.

Action News went to Carter's home to ask questions about the charges, but she did not want to talk.

The charges carry potential penalties, including fines and jail time.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month.