California: Lucio Lopez accused of torturing kitten by locking her inside freezer, viciously squeezing her, then throwing her off balcony breaking her leg

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA -- A Fontana man has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after allegedly putting a kitten in his freezer and then throwing her off his balcony, leaving the cat with serious injuries, police said Tuesday.

Officers began investigating last Friday afternoon after receiving a report of a man assaulting a 3- to 4-month-old kitten in the 9200 block of Olive Street, according to a Fontana Police Department news release.

The man, identified as 34-year-old Lucio Lopez, alleged became angry with the feline for entering his apartment and locked the cat inside the freezer [for an undetermined amount of time], witnesses told police.

He is accused of later taking the small animal out of the freezer and squeezing her body “as the frightened kitten cried out in pain,” the release stated.

After, he allegedly threw the cat off a second-floor balcony, police said. The feline hit the concrete below and suffered major injuries to her chest and a fractured leg.

“The kitten is doing as well as could be, but will need surgery and much needed love,” the release said.

Lopez initially fled the scene but was apprehended by police as he drove in the area of Oleander and San Bernardino avenues, according to the release. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of animal cruelty and an outstanding warrant.

Fontana Police Department Animal Cruelty Arrest

On 02/06/18, at approximately 2:45 am, Fontana PD officers responded to an apartment complex in the 9200 block of Olive, regarding Lucio Lopez (34) assaulting a 3-4 month old kitten.

Lopez fled the scene before the initial officer arrived.  Officers canvased the area and located Lopez driving in the area of Oleander and San Bernardino.

An investigation revealed Lopez was upset with the kitten for entering the apartment. Witnesses reported Lopez placed the kitten in the freezer.  Lopez later took the kitten out of the freezer and began squeezing its body as the frightened kitten cried out in pain. Lopez threw the kitten off the second story balcony.  The kitten struck the concrete floor resulting in major injuries to its chest and a fractured leg.

Lopez was arrested by officers and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for animal cruelty and an outstanding warrant. Fontana Animal Services responded to the scene and transported the kitten to the veterinarian for emergency treatment.

The kitten is doing as well as could be, but will need surgery and much needed love.

• Suspect: Lucio Cota Lopez, 34, Fontana resident
• Victim: 3-4 month old, female tortoiseshell kitten nicknamed “Olive” by emergency room staff  

(KTLA - February 6, 2018)

Massachusetts: Future serial killer Miguel Medina, 22, sentenced to a year in the county jail for torturing and killing kittens "for fun"

MILFORD, MASSACHUSETTS -- A Massachusetts man accused of killing kittens because he was bored has been sentenced to a year in the county jail.

Authorities say Milford resident Miguel Medina threw one kitten into a wall and burned another in a fire pit, prompting his arrest last year. A witness told police Medina talked about killing kittens "for fun" when he was bored.

The Telegram & Gazette reports the 22-year-old Medina was convicted of killing or maiming an animal and animal cruelty. He will receive credit for the 100 days he already has spent in jail.

Medina has a history of criminal charges, including domestic assault on family members, destruction of property, vandalism and drug dealing.

 

ORIGINAL STORY:

A man is facing several charges after allegedly viciously torturing and killing kittens that lived on a family farm at which he was staying.

On Sunday, Oct. 15, two officers were called to Ferrucci's Farm on Howard Street regarding an unwanted person on the property. Members of the Ferrucci family told police that Miguel Medina, who had been staying in a camper behind the farm, was threatening and bothering family members, and refused to leave.

Police walked up to the camper when Medina said, "I knew you guys were coming." Police asked him to leave the property, and he seemed very hesitant, according to a police report. Medina reportedly grabbed his belongings and left.

After he left, a member of the Ferrucci family told police that Medina had texted her that he had killed kittens that lived on the farm.

Police were shown text messages Medina sent in which he said he killed kittens on the farm, the document said


Another man on the scene said that Medina had told him about the killings, and invited him inside the camper to see.

"I had other kittens, but one bit my favorite kitten," Medina allegedly told the man, "... so I threw that kitten against the wall and then I put it under a table." 

Medina then reportedly showed the man the kitten bones under the table, and said, "Check this out. I burned this one yesterday!"

The witness told police that Medina showed him the charred body of the kitten in the fire pit and that he "talks heavily about kittens daily and admits to killing a couple a week for fun when he is bored." 

The witness brought police to the camper, where officers saw kitten bones "all over the grass."

Police also saw the burned kitten in the fire pit.

Police found Medina, whose home address is listed as Main Street, Milford, on Central Street and placed him under arrest. While booking Medina, he reportedly said, "I killed a kitten," while being finger-printed, said police.

Medina was charged with two counts of killing/maiming/poisoning an animal and one charge of animal cruelty.

A Milford District Court judge ordered Medina to complete a mental evaluation at the Worcester House of Corrections when he appeared in court on Oct. 16.

Medina pleaded not guilty to all charges on Oct. 16, and is scheduled to appear back in Milford District Court on Nov. 13, reports the Boston Globe.

They made a big mistake by not requiring mental health intervention with this plea agreement. This guy is a serial killer in the making.

MIGUEL MEDINA PREVIOUS ARRESTS:
Uxbridge Police Department Arrests - February 2015 
Arrest: Miguel Medina
Address: Milford
Charges: OUI Liquor, OUI Drugs, Unlicensed operation, Possession of class C substance
Arresting Officer: Ethier

Arrest: Miguel Medina
Address: Milford
Charges: A&B on a police officer, malicious destruction of property over $250
Arresting Officer: Stockwell

Monday, Jan. 2, 2017
2:27 p.m.: Caller states that a male is starting a disturbance at her home, 12 East Walnut St. The male party also has three warrants. Miguel Medina, 21, East Walnut Street, Milford, was arrested and charged on three warrants.

(WSLS - February 9, 2018)

Kentucky: Sheriff responds personally to rescue kitten frozen to dock

KENTUCKY -- A Mercer County couple say they're grateful the sheriff helped them rescue a stray kitten that was frozen to their boat dock.

Roy and Lori Jasper said they noticed,  on their security cameras before they went to bed, the kitten walking around.

They said they debated what they could do to help it, but as cold as it was - and being 75 years old - they said they did not think they could safely get down the hill to the dock to catch it.

Eleven hours later, the kitten showed up again on their security camera, but they were sure he was now stuck to the metal steps of the boat dock.

"He had fell in the water and came up on the little piece of rock, just left of the steps and froze right there," said Roy Jasper.

Knowing the situation was now dire, they called the Mercer County Sheriff's Office for help.

They were surprised and grateful when Mercer County Sheriff Ernie Kelty himself responded to the call to save the little kitten.

 

 

"I poured the water on his front feet, and in a few seconds, they did come loose," said Mercer County Sheriff Ernie Kelty. The sheriff continued to cut free the kitten's fur that was also frozen.

"I'd say he was down there about 15 minutes breaking it loose," Roy Jasper said, "because its stomach was froze, paws was froze, everything."

"And then he put him under his shirt, and walked up here and gave him to me. Of course, Laurie took him in and wiped him down with towels. He was solid wet," said Roy Jasper.

Sheriff Kelty said that at first, the kitten had a bit of an attitude.

 "But I probably would have too. It seemed like, that he realized I was there to help," he said.

"I think it's just wonderful that [the Sheriff] dropped everything he did, to come down here and get one little old kitten," said Roy Jasper.

 

The stray kitten that was once stranded in the cold now has a new home with the Jasper family - and a heroic new name.

"We're naming him after the Sheriff. We're naming him Ernie," said Roy.

(Lex18 - Jan 3, 2018)

Australia: Dylan Clarke, accused of beating a cat to death on Christmas Day granted bail on the condition he surrender his other pets

AUSTRALIA -- A man who allegedly beat a cat to death on Christmas night has been granted bail after facing court on Tuesday.

Dylan Clarke of Helensvale on the Gold Coast was arrested and charged with with two counts of serious animal cruelty and possession of cannabis and drug utensils.

Police were called by neighbors to the Labrador home of Dylan Clarke’s friend overnight after reports of a disturbance.

When they arrived about 10:30pm they found a dead kitten on the footpath.

Clarke was standing at the front door, police say.

When officers went inside they found a dead adult cat, which the 25-year-old allegedly said he beat to death.

Clarke was charged with two counts of serious animal cruelty.

He was also charged with possession of cannabis and drug utensils.

Clarke was this morning granted bail by the Southport Magistrates Court on the proviso he surrender two pet snakes to the RSPCA within 48 hours of being released from custody.

Magistrate Gary Finger also imposed bail conditions that stop the man owning, acquiring or possessing any animals while on bail.

Clarke is also not allowed to have contact with a witness in the proceedings.

He will reside at his parents property in Helensvale until he returns to court on January 11.

'I didn't kill anything mate, I don't do this stuff,' Clarke said when questioned by reporters after leaving court.

(Daily Mail - Dec 26, 2017)

(November 2017) Florida: Orlando Police Officer rescues abandoned kitten

FLORIDA -- Orlando Police Twitter @OrlandoPolice November 21, 2017

OPD Officer Nick Pluta found this kitten in a box outside of the police office on Primrose Drive this morning. She’s getting lots of  love from our officers, who have named her “Primrose” and are finding her a home.

Virginia: Henrico Police officer saves frightened kitten from Interstate 64

VIRGINIA -- Henrico Police called it "puuurfect timing for a traffic stop."

Henrico Police posted video to social media that showed an officer go out of his way to rescue a kitten on Interstate 64 near Parham Road on Sunday.

"During a recent traffic stop, Henrico Police Officer McGuire noticed a frightened kitten running through the center grassy median of I-64," a Henrico Police spokesperson posted to social media. "Without hesitation, McGuire walked towards the kitten – careful not to scare it into traffic."

The officer's body camera showed McGuire leave the car he stopped for a traffic violation and follow the kitten into the media.

With gloves on his hands, Officer McGuire reached into a pile of straw and pulled out the kitten.

"He then let the violator go with a warning and focused on the kitten’s safety," the Henrico Police spokesperson said.

"You know what ma'am," Officer McGuire is heard saying on the video. "Here's your license back. You're good to go, OK. Just make sure you slowdown."

The video then showed Officer McGuire grab a towel from his cruiser, wrap the kitten in it.

"It's OK. It's OK," he said to the animal as he buckled it in for a ride to the animal shelter.

"He did what he did because he thought the kitten was going to get hit by a car," the Henrico Police spokesperson said. "More often than not, officers put themselves at risk to save others."

HENRICO COUNTY POLICE BODYCAM VIDEO:

Henrico County Police posted on Facebook December 7, 2017 ·
PUUURFECT TIMING FOR A TRAFFIC STOP
During a recent traffic stop, Henrico Police Officer McGuire noticed a frightened kitten running through the center grassy median of I-64. Without hesitation, McGuire walked towards the kitten – careful not to scare it into traffic …

😱 🐱

(wtvr.com - Dec 7, 2017)

(October 2017) Tennessee: Animal Control officers find kitten and baby raccoon cuddling together inside dumpster

TENNESSEE -- Knoxville Police Department - TN added 3 new photos to Facebook October 18, 2017 ·

Knoxville Police Department Animal Control Officer Nick Powell responded recently to a call of an animal stuck in a dumpster at the E-911 Center on Bernard Avenue.

 

 

When Officer Powell looked inside the dumpster he located two unusual companions - a kitten and a baby raccoon - cuddled in the corner keeping each other warm. Both animals were rescued by Animal Control Officer Powell.

UPDATE: The raccoon was relocated and released. The kitten was transported to Young Williams Animal Center.

If they're saying it's a baby raccoon, doesn't that mean it's too young to be on its own? Shouldn't it be sent to a wildlife rehabilitator first? 

New Hampshire: Hollis Police Rescue Kittens Abandoned on Side of Road

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Police are looking for the person responsible for abandoning several kittens on the side of a road.

On Tuesday, police responded to a call about the kittens, which had been spotted near a road and found the animals.

The responding officers determined the animals had been intentionally abandoned, and were subsequently able to rescue six of the young cats. 

One was adopted by a responding officer, and two others by a family in town. The remaining three were taken by Kitty Angels to be treated by a veterinarian.

Kitty Angels returned to the area and saved another five kittens, which are all in the organizations care.

Police and Kitty Angels are asking residents who see any more of the kittens to contact them rather than trying to capture the animals themselves.

Anyone wishing to adopt a cat from Kitty Angels can visit www.kittyangels.org for more information.

(NH1 - Nov 1, 2017)

(October 2017) California: Hanford police officer rescues kitten stuck in car's engine

CALIFORNIA -- Hanford Police Officers' Association posted on Facebook October 15 at 11:17pm ·

We received this today from one of our followers...

Officer Jurdon rescued a kitten lodged in a car engine today!

A big thank you to him!

Utah: "Smokey's mother and sibling were killed by a pit bull the night after we adopted her. If we hadn't adopted her when we did, she probably would have been killed as well."

UTAH -- Robert Riberia posted on Facebook Oct 21, 2017 ·

All of our cats have special stories associated with them, and Smokey is no exception. We received some very sad news yesterday.

It turns out that Smokey's mother and sibling were killed by a pit bull the night after we adopted her. 

If we hadn't adopted her when we did, she probably would have been killed as well.

New York: Chris Normile, 21, Accused of Throwing Four-Week-Old Kitten From Pickup Truck and Driving Away

GRANVILLE, NEW YORK -- New York State Police arrested a Dresden man Friday, accused of throwing a 4-week-old kitten out the window of a pickup truck in Granville.

State Police say witnesses saw 21-year-old Christopher J. Normile throw a four-week-old kitten out the window of a Chevrolet Silverado into the middle of State Route 22 in the area of Curtis Lumber on September 26.

The Granville men, Myles Roberts and Adam Illsley, were driving their motorcycles near Curtis Lumber when they saw Christopher Normile, who was parked at the traffic pull-off, throw the kitten out the window of the truck.

“He was pulled right up to the road as if he were going to pull out, so I was keeping an eye on him to make sure he wasn’t going to pull out in front of us or anything. He had his window down and as I was keeping an eye on him. 

"I saw him have the little orange kitten right in his hand and he flung it out the window onto the side of 22,” Roberts said.

The witnesses turned Good Samaritans, two men following behind the truck on motorcycles, rescued the small orange kitten from the road and took it to the Granville Small Animal Hospital where it was treated for minor injuries.

NYSP say one of the men then took the kitten home to care for it.

 

The witnesses were able to give responding NYSP troopers a description of the truck, and troopers were able to identify and locate Normile as the driver while he was driving on North Road in Dresden (Yates County) three days later.

Normile was arrested under NYS Agriculture and Markets Law, a misdemeanor, as well as a misdemeanor charge of aggravated unlicensed operation (driving on a suspended license). He is scheduled to be arraigned on the first charge in Granville Town Court.

(WWLP - October 03, 2017)

Missouri: Madison County Sheriff's Deputy rescues kitten from roadway

MISSOURI -- Madison County Missouri Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook October 1, 2017 ·

Today, Deputy Neel rescued this little guy from being hit on Lincoln Drive. We are not sure if he/she has a home!

If it is yours, or you would like to adopt this baby, please contact Madison County Sheriff’s Office. 573-783-2234. Thank you!