Kids in trouble for reportedly abusing kittens

WATSONVILLE — Three Watsonville children could face charges after Santa Cruz County animal control authorities reported that they abused stray kittens, Animal Services Field Manager Todd Stosuy said Thursday.

According to Stosuy, a witness reported Sunday afternoon that three young people were abusing kittens on West Front Street.

When Stosuy arrived the witness identified the kids, all of whom are younger than 10.

One of the kittens, which was reportedly thrown against a wall, was taken to a veterinary hospital where it was determined to have brain damage. It was later euthanized.

The other kittens had been strangled with ropes around their necks, but were checked out by the veterinarian and are currently in foster care, Stosuy said.

It was unclear Thursday whether the children will face charges, but Stosuy pointed to studies that show that children who abuse animals go on to commit violent crimes later in life.

“I would be hopeful that some form of therapy will be provided,” he said.

Stosuy said that the kittens likely were feral, and that spaying and neutering stray cats can prevent such incidents from occurring.



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