Teen Kills Kitten in Oven; Faces 10-Year Sentence

This is one kid who really needs my boot up her ass.

On June 3, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Cheyenne
Cherry, a 17-year-old resident of the Bronx, for allegedly killing a
two-month-old kitten by burning her to death in an oven. In addition
to cruelty to animals, Cherry was charged with multiple counts of
burglary, arson and criminal mischief. Under New York State law,
Cherry is considered an adult and faces more than 10 years in prison
if convicted of all charges.

Cherry admits that she broke into the home of an ex-roommate on May 6
with the intent to "play a joke and mess up her apartment." Cherry and
an accomplice allegedly threw bleach on the walls of the apartment,
slashed furniture and stole various items. Before leaving, the pair
put the victim's kitten, Tiger Lily, into the hot oven.

When police arrived at the Bronx apartment to investigate smoke
complaints, Tiger Lily was found dead. Her remains were taken to ASPCA
Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where veterinarians had to perform a
necropsy to determine the sex of the badly burned kitten.

According to Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law
Enforcement, Cherry's explanation for placing the kitten in the oven
was simply: "I hate cats."

If you know of a child or teen who is hurting animals, please report
his or her behavior to the proper authorities—kids who assault animals
may eventually act out on people. The ASPCA offers a list of ways to
intervene when a child or teen displays dangerous behavior around
animals.

To report animal cruelty in New York City, contact the ASPCA anonymous
tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how
to report cruelty elsewhere.