Henrico County authorities have charged a local exterminator with three counts of animal cruelty.

Keith Copi, with Critter Control, was charged after an investigation by Henrico Police Animal Protection Unit and Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

A recent land-clearing operation behind the offices of local Fox affiliate WRLH at 1925 Westmoreland St. disrupted a colony of feral cats that have lived in the area for decades, area businesspeople said.

The local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals claims the cats were killed inhumanely as part of a cleanup operation.

The decision to charge the exterminator "sends a clear message that our community values deeply the lives of feral cats and other companion animals," said Robin Starr, chief executive director for the SPCA.

Copi faces up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine for each of the three charges, Henrico police said.

-- Linda Dunham