A Durham Regional Police constable who recently received a commendation for saving a man’s life is now facing condemnation from the same police force for attempting to save a kitten she believed was being neglected while its owner binged on crystal meth.

Const. Beth Richardson will face a charge of discreditable conduct before a Police Services Act tribunal on Wednesday.

If found guilty she faces a possible demotion.

Richardson, a 17-year veteran, was called to an Oshawa home as backup in January after police received a call about a woman who was in the midst of a days-long drug binge.

According to the statement of particulars, Richardson noticed a kitten “cowering under a table” inside the home.

Believing the animal was in distress and in a state of neglect she arranged for a friend to take the cat and have it examined by a veterinarian at her own cost.

But according to Durham Regional police, “Richardson did not advise her supervisor or any other officers that she had taken the cat from the owners nor did she document her actions.”

The woman’s boyfriend later called police demanding the return of the pet, and asking for theft charges to be laid against Const. Richardson.

When the kitten was returned, the couple decided not to lay charges.

Richardson’s lawyer, Joseph Markson, called it the “most ridiculous case” he’s seen in 20 years practicing law.

“One would hope that an officer with sworn duties to take care of people who they encounter, who sees an animal in distress, would do something about it,” he argued.

“Beth was concerned that if this kitten stayed in the care of this young woman who couldn’t even take care of herself, that the kitten was in immediate danger…she wanted to make sure that the kitten wasn’t left at risk in that home and was properly cared for. I would think that’s very consistent with her duties as a police officer.”

Markson said his client is an exemplary officer and doesn’t deserve to face discipline and potentially have her record marred.

“Why resources are being wasted trying to scar my client with the label of discreditable conduct is beyond me. It makes no sense.”

“She loves animals,” he adds. “Her heartstrings are just pulled when she sees animals in distress. I think she’s a real benefit to policing in Durham and she loves public service.”

Richardson is also receiving online support. A woman named Lucinda Knowlton started a petition on Change.org, urging police not to punish Richardson.

In an April 2016 Durham police newsletter, Richardson was credited with helping save the life of a man who had slit his wrists and throat.

Paramedics said if it weren’t for Richardson’s quick action applying pressure to the neck wound, the man would have likely died.

Police Services Act charge for Const. who took kitten from home by CityNewsToronto on Scribd