Teenagers admit horrific killing of two kittens
A teenage girl and boy have admitted torturing two kittens to death on a golf course.
The tiny animals were found with ropes attached to them and had been cut open.
The boy, 17, and girl, 16, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the protected animals by ‘mutilating and killing’ the kittens and possession of a knife.
The boy had googled ‘killing cats and dogs’ before the animals were dismembered, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard.
Police were called to Ruislip Golf Course on 3 May by concerned members of the public.
The kittens had been taken to the course in a black duffel bag.
Prosecutor Valerie Benjamin said: ‘On the day in question, members of the public saw one of the defendants who seemed to be in possession of an animal carrier.
‘Later on, members of the public were concerned that they saw the defendants running away.’
Police officers found both animals had been cut up,
One of the kittens was hanging by a rope and the other pet was on the ground.
Ms Benjamin added: ‘Both were found dead, and a knife was found at the scene, a pair of scissors was also found.’
Police officers also found a blowtorch at the scene, the court heard.
The boy’s phone revealed Google searches for ‘killing cats and dogs’ and ‘how to kill a human.’
The prosecutor added: ‘It is concerning because of the nature of the offence.’
A 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl who were previously arrested in connection with the incident have been released without charge.
Police Sergeant Babs Rock previously described it as an ‘incredibly distressing incident which I know has caused concern in the local community’.
A Met spokesperson added: ‘This incident caused great distress in the area and we thank the community for their willingness to share information that aided our investigation.’
District Judge Michael Oliver adjourned sentence until 23 June at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.
He said: ‘These are very serious offences to which they have pleaded guilty, they are 16 and 17, and they have never been in trouble with the law.
‘I will adjourn for a pre-sentence report, leaving all sentencing options available.’
The pair were remanded into the care of the local authority with a series of conditions including not to enter the London borough of Hillingdon, not to contact each other and to abide by a curfew of 6pm-7am.
They must also not be in possession of a live animal and are not entitled to leave their place of residence unless accompanied by someone aged 18 or over who has been approved by social services.
They must also register their mobile phone and sim card with police.
‘The conditions I attach you must comply with, if you do not you could be remanded,’ The judge said.
‘I am adjourning each of your cases to 23 June, back at this court at 10am, the offences are extremely serious, I am not ruling out anyway of dealing with you, you must cooperate with youth justice and your solicitors, if you don’t attend, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.’
The pair were remanded into the care of the local authority ahead of sentence.
