Cortland man arraigned on intimidation, puppy abuse charges remains in jail

Staff report

CORTLAND

Collin J. Macaulay, 19, of Gates Street remains in Trumbull County Jail after his arraignment on two felony counts of intimidation of a witness and one felony count of violating a new animal-cruelty law referred to as “Goddard’s Law.”

Not-guilty pleas were entered on the three charges in Central District Court here, and bond of $150,000 was set on the three charges – $60,000 each on the intimidation charges and $30,000 on the animal-cruelty charge.

Cortland police filed charges Monday after consulting with officials with the Trumbull County Dog Warden’s Office and other agencies and finding out that Macauley’s puppy, a 6-month-old pit bull, suffered abuse, including injuries to its face, teeth and possible fractures.

The intimidation charges resulted from allegations that Macaulay threatened neighbors who called police after hearing what sounded like animal abuse coming from Macauley’s residence.

Macaulay returns to court at 9 a.m. Monday. If he is able to make bond before that, he is ordered to come no closer than 500 yards to the neighbors he’s accused of threatening.