“Sage” Expected to Be Ready for Adoption This Week
BOSTON, July 30, 2025 – A Cambridge man is being charged with two counts of animal cruelty on behalf of “Sage”, a roughly one-year-old domestic shorthair who was surrendered to the MSPCA-Angell’s care with multiple injuries on July 21.
“Sage’s case was challenging, and it required collaboration between many agencies to get him the justice he deserves,” explained MSPCA Law Enforcement Director, Chris Schindler.
MSPCA Law Enforcement became aware of Sage on July 15, when Cambridge Animal Control reached out after receiving an anonymous complaint.
“The person alleged that someone had abused a cat behind a Cambridge apartment building,” Schindler elaborated. “We began investigating and ended up finding video that appears to show the cat falling from an upper floor before it looks like the defendant swings him by his tail and slams him on the ground repeatedly and then brings him back inside.”
Following a swift investigation, MSPCA Law Enforcement identified the person in the video and obtained Sage’s surrender.
“We worked overdrive on this, ensuring Sage could start getting treatment as soon as possible, while also working closely with Cambridge Police to secure an arrest,” he added.
Multi-Organization Collaboration
Jaydan Depina was arraigned on two counts of animal cruelty in Cambridge District Court on July 29. He is expected to return to court for a dangerousness hearing later this week. The MSPCA-Angell advocated to add animal crimes to the list of offenses in the PAWS II Act that require a hearing to determine whether someone is dangerous, a change that recognizes that animal cruelty should be a factor in determining the risks an individual poses to the community.
“Obviously Sage has some healing to do, but we were able to get him on the right track shortly after we were looped in thanks to collaboration between us, Cambridge Police, and Cambridge Animal Control,” said Schindler.
“We’re extremely appreciative of the close working relationship that we have, without which we wouldn’t have been able to quickly get both custody of the cat and an arrest.”
The public was also a vital resource in this case, according to Schindler.
“Our Law Enforcement team isn’t huge, and we have to cover cruelty complaints across all 351 communities in Massachusetts, so we really rely on people reporting issues directly to us or to their local police and animal control officers, like what happened with Sage,” he said. “We applaud the person who contacted Cambridge Animal Control and encourage others to alert us if they suspect abuse.”
Anyone with information on potential animal cruelty may submit a tip online at mspca.org/tip or by phone at (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808.
A Complicated History
Upon his surrender, Sage underwent diagnostic imaging at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center Clinic to reveal he suffered a broken tail and lung contusions.
“Sage was brought to Angell after allegedly falling from a building late last year,” Schindler expounded. “He fractured the roof of his mouth and toes, but there was no reason to suspect cruelty at that point.”
“The new imaging revealed not only Sage’s recent injuries, but also rib and toe fractures that veterinarians believe he suffered at least four weeks ago, if not longer, which is often consistent with abuse.”
Those treating Sage described his demeanor as shy and shutdown when he first arrived, but he quickly felt more comfortable in their care.
“While our Law Enforcement officers secured an arrest, our clinic team worked hard to address Sage’s injuries, and everyone in the shelter is providing him with a safe and loving environment,” said Schindler.
“It’s been remarkable watching him become social, happy, and loving—something that wouldn’t be possible without the incredible work of those treating and caring for him.”
Sage’s Next Steps
Sage is expected to undergo neuter surgery on July 30, and will be available for adoption at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center shortly afterward.
Interested adopters are asked to visit the Boston Adoption Center during open hours, which are Tuesday through Sunday, noon – 3:00 p.m.
Those who would like to donate to help MSPCA Law Enforcement seek justice for animals who suffer abuse, as well as to help care for those affected by it, are asked to do so at mspca.org/justice.
