Friday, August 31, 2007

Florida: Boy, 11, charged with breaking into home, trying to slash cat's neck and when he failed at that, he killed it by cooking it to death in the dryer

FLORIDA -- A Florida judge ordered a psychological evaluation Thursday for an 11-year-old boy charged with breaking into a home and killing a cat.

The boy, who has not been identified because of his age, faces charges that include animal cruelty and burglary, WKMG-TV in Orlando reported. He allegedly wanted to get even after an argument with another boy in Titusville, Fla.

The judge ordered the 11-year-old to spend three days in the juvenile detention center in Brevard County for the evaluation. The boy will then be released to the custody of his parents, and may only leave home to go to school or when escorted by one of his parents.

Investigators said the boy broke into the house and tried to slash the cat’s throat. When that failed, he put the animal in the dryer and turned it on.

He has been ordered to refrain from all contact with the family that owns the cat.

(UPI - Aug 31, 2007)