Published on August 20, 2025
At approximately 5:00 p.m. on August 13, 2025, Violence Prevention Unit detectives were alerted to a social media post depicting acts of animal cruelty in the Northview Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
The videos show individuals attaching mice to fireworks with duct tape and igniting the devices, which resulted in the animals being killed. The mice were reportedly purchased from a local pet store.
Detectives responded to the 410 block of Mt. Pleasant Road, where the incident was believed to have occurred. At the scene, investigators recovered a plastic bin, fireworks remnants, and a roll of tape. The Mobile Crime Unit also responded to process evidence. Detectives reviewed CCTV footage in the area and interviewed multiple witnesses.
On August 14, 2025, Zone 1 officers and VPU detectives executed a search warrant in the 410 block of Mt. Pleasant Road as part of the animal cruelty investigation. One adult male was detained on unrelated charges, with additional charges forthcoming.
The investigation into the animal cruelty incident remains ongoing.