2 teenage boys ages 15 and 17

Tried to blow up a 7-month-old kitten with illegal fireworks

Sacramento, CA

July 3, 2001

Two teenage boys ages 15 and 17 have been arrested on felony charges for attempting to blow up a 7 month old kitten with illegal fireworks.

Bob Reder of the West Coast Regional Office of the Humane Society of the United States stated the HSUS will pursue this case and should the boys be found guilty will request that a maximum incarceration be imposed as well as psychological evaluations and counseling be included in the sentencing.

The boys face charges of cruelty to animals and exploding a destructive device.

The Placer County SPCA set up a hotline for tipsters and with the HSUS posted a $4,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.

The kitten known as Smokey was found injured in the bushes outside his home and brought to the Pet Emergency Center in Roseville, CA. The kitten has fully recovered from his injuries.

The 17-year-old boy admitted the crime and will be sentenced December 27, 2001. He could face a maximum penalty of 3 years in the California Youth Authority. Admissions of guilt in juvenile court are similar to a guilty plea in adult court.

References:

HSUS West Coast Regional Office

The Sacramento Bee