Man Arrested for Shooting, Killing Girlfriend's Pet Pig After Dispute in Cayuga County

A Sempronius man has been arrested on multiple misdemeanor charges following a domestic dispute earlier this month.

According to Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck, deputies arrested 28-year-old Norman D. Dewitt on February 12, 2025. Dewitt faces charges under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law for torture or injuring an animal (a Class A misdemeanor), endangering the welfare of a child (a Class A misdemeanor), and third-degree criminal tampering (a Class B misdemeanor).

Authorities say that on February 5, deputies, along with members of the New York State Police in Cortland, responded to a residence in the Town of Sempronius at 11:16 a.m. for a reported domestic dispute. The investigation revealed that Dewitt had allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend’s pet pig during the incident. Deputies also determined that Dewitt had removed home security cameras before shooting the animal while a 15-year-old girl was present in the home.

Dewitt was taken into custody and arraigned at the Cayuga County Centralized Arraignment Court. He is currently being held at the Cayuga County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Dewitt is scheduled to appear in Sempronius Town Court on February 19 at 6:00 p.m.