Man faces animal cruelty charges 'for abandoning pet fish'

Officers find fish in poor health and swimming in dirty water

Oscar fish can grow up to 18in in length and can be trained to do tricks (Jón Helgi Jónsson/Wikimedia Commons)

A man faces animal cruelty charges after he allegedly abandoned his pet fish.

Michael Ray Hinson, 53, was arrested in North Carolina on Wednesday and charged with three counts of misdemeanour cruelty to animals and one count of abandonment of an animal, WECT reported.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office said Mr Hinson failed to provide fresh water and food to his Oscar fish after he was evicted from his home last month.

Officers found the fish in a tank that was left behind after he moved out. They said it was in poor health and swimming in dirty water.

Oscar fish can grow up to 18in in length and can be trained to do tricks.

When Mr Hinson’s fish was seized, it appeared to be malnourished and suffering from hole in the head disease.

The disease is caused by poor water quality and a lack of food.

Mr Hinson was released from jail on a $4,000 (£3,000) unsecured bond.