Tortured Kitten
By ANGELA KAMPER Police Reporter
January 21, 2005cry
TEENAGERS slowly tortured an eight-week-old kitten – stoning, jumping on and riding over the petrified animal on a bike before kicking her on to train tracks.
Police and RSPCA officers described the depraved attack, captured on CCTV footage, as "sickening" and vowed to use the full force of the law against the thugs.
"It was sickening in every sense of the word and we need to identify these offenders," Superintendent Les Wales said. "This can't be tolerated."
Recovering after two operations yesterday, Shelly was in the safe hands of rescuer Constable Michelle Moy, who managed to reach the empty platform at Seven Hills.
"The kitten was lying on the tracks and it couldn't appear to walk," Constable Moy said. "It was horrible. We thought she was going to die on the way to the shelter."
Named after Constable Moy, who wants to adopt the kitten, the animal is expected to recover well over the next few months.
The policewoman, along with colleague Constable Carmen Bagust, took the kitten to the nearest RSPCA clinic where she underwent surgery for a broken back leg as well as being treated for injuries to her front legs and one of her eyes.
Three youths were caught on closed circuit TV attacking the animal about 2.30am on Sunday. The alarm was raised by a station master.
One teenage boy was described as having distinctive orange hair and possibly being of Pacific Islander appearance. The other two were of Caucasian appearance, wearing dark T-shirts, jeans and baseball hats.
They had a new blue pushbike. The platform was empty at the time of the attack.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Don Robinson said such cases occurred on a weekly basis across NSW. "We would like to see the full weight of the law brought against these people. We've got to stand up for that kitten," he said.
"Our concern is that these young offenders will not stop with one small kitten and will move on to other animals and people. Perhaps the next time the result could be fatal."
The youths could face up to two years in jail and a $20,000 fine if they are charged with and convicted of aggravated cruelty.
Anyone with information about the attack should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.