Suspended sentence for killing kitten with a stick

A man who killed a kitten with a wooden stick before dumping it on the road was handed a one-year jail term suspended for three years today. 

The 58-year-old Santa Lucija resident justified his act by saying he was putting the kitten out of its misery as it was very sick. Sources added that several other kittens were also found in his possession.

The man pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in a court presided by Magistrate Antonio Vella. 

The court warned him against repeating such “senseless” acts but decided against an effective jail term in such circumstances.

The man was placed under the supervision of a probation officer.

Police inspector Chantelle Casha prosecuted while lawyer Benjamin Valenzia was defence counsel.