WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT – The teenagers used a rope to restrain the helpless animals and ‘mutilated’ them before being caught on CCTV fleeing the scene in North West London
A teenage boy and girl have admitted to torturing, killing, and dismembering two kittens after being captured fleeing the scene on CCTV.
The vile pair used a rope to restrain the helpless animals before “mutilating” them. One of the kittens was discovered cut open on the ground in Ruislip, North West London, while the other was found hanging from a tree. Footage released by police showed the 17-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl walking through a residential area, with the boy holding a bag believed to have contained the kittens. They were later seen on camera running down the same street after the attack.
Both appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court today, where they pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals by “mutilating and killing” them. Due to their age, their identities have not been made public. The pair also admitted to one charge of possessing a knife.
Prosecutor Valerie Benjamin told the court that members of the public saw the boy holding an animal carrier on May 3 and became alarmed when they later saw the teenagers fleeing. Knives, blowtorches, and scissors were later recovered from the scene.
Ms Benjamin also stated that a search history on the boy’s phone included disturbing queries such as “killing cats and dogs” and “how to kill a human.” She commented: “It is concerning because of the nature of the offence.”
After the kittens were discovered, police issued an appeal and released CCTV footage. The teens have been placed in the care of the local authority under strict conditions, including a curfew from 6pm to 7am, a ban on entering the London borough of Hillingdon, and restrictions on contact with one another.
They are prohibited from owning or being around live animals and can only leave their homes with a pre-approved adult over 18. Additionally, they are required to register their mobile phones and SIM cards with the police.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 23 at the same court. Two other teenagers – a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl – were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty but have since been released without charge.
In a full statement, the Met Police said: “Met officers investigating the death of two kittens in Ruislip have arrested and charged two teenagers. On Tuesday, 20 May, a 16-year-old girl was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and for possession of a bladed article in a public place.
“A 17-year-old boy was also charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and for possession of a bladed article in a public place. They had both been arrested on Monday, 19 May. This relates to an incident on Saturday, 3 May where two kittens were found dead.
“They were both remanded into custody, and will appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court at 14:00 on Tuesday, 20 May.”