January 2021 – Joshua Mears, 31, of Hoosick Falls was sentenced to 10 months in Rensselaer County Jail following his guilty plea in connection with an aggravated cruelty to animals charge in which Mears apparently intentionally killing a kitten. In addition to jail time, Mears reportedly has a five-year order preventing him from owning any animals, an eight-year order of protection for the victim, and an eight-year order of protection from the witness, as well as fines and surcharges.

October 29, 2020 – Joshua Mears, 31, of Hoosick Falls was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals when he apparently intentionally killed a kitten.