Steven Buchecker surrendered to authorities after an arrest warrant was issued for him on charges including felony animal abuse, making threats and witness intimidation.

By Deanna Durante • Published August 5, 2026 • Updated on August 6, 2026 at 9:15 am

Man accused of shooting, trapping cat turns himself in – NBC10 Philadelphia

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An arrest warrant is out for Steven Buchecker of North Wales, wanted for severely injuring a cat. A woman has been arrested in connection with the case. NBC10’s Deanna Durante has the exclusive story.

A North Wales man accused in what Upper Gwynedd Township police describe as a disturbing animal abuse case has turned himself in.

Steven Buchecker surrendered to authorities after an arrest warrant was issued for him on charges including felony animal abuse, making threats and witness intimidation. Another person, Meredith Ziemba, has already been arrested in connection with the case.

According to court documents, officers responded June 11 after receiving a report of an abused cat behind a home on North Wales Road. A tipster alerted police to the badly injured animal.

Investigators say the cat had been shot in the eye with a pellet, another pellet was lodged in its back and one of its paws was caught in a bear trap.

Court documents allege Ziemba knew the cat’s paw was caught in the trap and that Buchecker had shot the animal.

Police say Ziemba initially told officers there were no cats on the property. Officers searched the area and found the injured cat still caught in the bear trap.

Investigators estimate the cat had been trapped for several days in temperatures above 90 degrees.

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Officers cut the chains attached to the trap and took the cat to a veterinarian. Police say the cat lost one eye and part of one paw had to be amputated.

According to court documents, Ziemba and Buchecker discussed the cat with others and the possibility that it would die in the yard.

Police also allege Buchecker threatened the tipster who reported the abuse, leading to additional charges related to making threats and witness intimidation.

A check of court records also shows prior arrests on drug- and alcohol-related charges.

The cat has since been named Harvey and has been rehomed, police said.