LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO: A 39-year-old man was charged with a felony after he allegedly beat his girlfriend and force-fed his pet cat methamphetamine in June.

The Las Cruces police responded to a home after receiving reports of domestic abuse against Aaron Spaulding, 39, on June 3, 2019.

Authorities learned that Spaulding had a verbal argument with his girlfriend the day before, which soon turned physical.

He allegedly ended up punching his girlfriend multiple times, holding her against her will and taking away her cell phone.

While investigators were at his house, they discovered that he had mistreated his two pets.

"Spaulding was possibly neglecting his two pets, a dog and male domestic shorthair cat, and abusing the feline by squeezing it until it cried out. He was also accused of strangulating and forcibly feeding methamphetamines to the cat," the police department said in a press release posted on their Facebook page.

The cat was tested by a veterinarian who detected signs of neurological deficits in the feline.

When the animal's blood was tested for drugs, it tested positive for meth.

In light of the test results that were revealed Tuesday, the charges against Spaulding were upgraded.

"Spaulding was charged in June with false imprisonment, two counts of battery against a household member, interference with communication and two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. One of those counts of animal cruelty has now been upgraded to a felony after Spaulding’s cat tested positive for methamphetamines," the Facebook post said.

After getting effectively treated by a vet, the cat was ultimately adopted by a caring home.

Spaulding was arrested June 4 and released on bond on June 24.

After the police posted a press release on their social media page along with the mugshot of the accused, the post was flooded with comments, most of which severely criticized Spaulding for his alleged actions, forcing the department to send out a warning.

"The Las Cruces Police Department promotes tasteful comments and a respectful dialogue on its Facebook page but does not tolerate the promotion of violence, illegal activity, shame, slander, vulgar discourse, false accusations or use of profanity. Any such language will be deleted and repeat offenders may be banned from this page. Those charged with a crime should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Thank you," the department stated in a comment on its post.

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