MCRAE, Ark. – McRae Police Chief Dakota Burks confirmed the arrest of Jack Moore on two counts of animal cruelty after a month-long investigation stemming from multiple community complaints.

Moore was apprehended Friday at 11 a.m. in Bald Knob by the Bald Knob Police Department after being located at his brother’s residence.

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Chief Burks stated that Moore had been “irate” at the time of his arrest and claimed the charges were false. Despite his denial, McRae police say they gathered sufficient evidence to move forward with charges.

The case began after several complaints from local residents, including reports of missing cats and suspicious behavior.

“You can’t arrest someone based solely on a complaint,” Burks said. “That’s why we opened a full investigation. What we found provided enough evidence to believe animal cruelty had occurred.”

According to Burks, the most serious accusation against Moore is that he allegedly threw a live cat into the street, resulting in paralysis of the animal.

“There’s no evidence he threw it over the house, as some had speculated,” Burks clarified. “But there is credible evidence, including witness statements, that he did throw the cat into the street.”

In total, five to six cats have been reported missing in the area. McRae Police also recovered a pellet rifle believed Moore had used in harming the animals. Testing is ongoing to determine whether the pellets found in or near the injured animals match the rifle.

Moore appeared before a judge Friday and has since been released on bond. His first court date is set for June 9 at 2 p.m. He faces two felony counts of animal cruelty. The McRae Police Department has stated they are committed to upholding the law and ensuring a fair trial.

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Family members and local residents have spoken out about Moore’s behavior, painting a picture of someone they say has long had issues with animals.

“He’s never really cared for animals,” said Josh Kamer, Moore’s son-in-law. “If you watch his YouTube, you can see his harassing mentality.”

Kamer alleged that Moore baited cats with traps in the front yard while blaming them for attacking rabbits kept in the backyard.

“Your rabbits are dying from neglect and predators, not cats,” he said.

Moore’s own mother, Mary Moore, expressed concern about his actions, recounting times when her son would check his traps and return to the house to grab his pellet gun if something was caught.

“If it’s a snake, that’s one thing,” she said. “But not domesticated animals.”

The arrest has brought a sense of relief to some in the community, Kamer said.

“No cats have gone missing since he’s been gone,” said Kamer. “And people on Lynn Street are happy. There might even be a parade.”

The White County Sheriff’s Office jail records confirm Moore’s release on bond. Moore replied to a request for comment saying he could not talk at the moment on Friday.

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This case has brought renewed focus to animal welfare in McRae, a small but tight-knit community, said Burks.

 “We do our best to serve and protect,” Burks said. “And cruelty to animals simply has no place here.”

In a statement to FOX 16 News, Jack Moore said, “the McRae Court is not a court of record and seeing how my civil rights have been violated by this judge and prosecutor, every decision from this court will be appealed to higher courts and won.”