ASPCA calls kitten murderer to account

Dear True,

I am sure you remember the horrific cat beating murder at the campground a few years ago. Awful as it was, to me it was even worse that the perpetrator was never prosecuted and the county attorney deliberately mis-interpreted the animal cruelty statute for Minnesota. I was and still am so appalled. But it is good to know that some one else is out there who might in future help those of us who complained bitterly but without success after that incident, which was actually witnessed unlike most murders. Read the following excerpt from the ASPCA news alert at http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_newsalert011808#1.

ASPCA also urges us to take special care of our companion friends in this severe cold weather. Frostbite in 15 minutes. Stay home and keep the dog and the cat indoors too.

Anonymous

ASPCA ANNOUNCES ARREST OF SUSPECT IN BRONX KITTEN KILLING
In late November 2007, the ASPCA was alerted to suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a stray kitten who had been socialized, cared for and fed by the residents and employees of a building at 1581 Fulton Avenue, The Bronx. Witnesses told ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement investigators that 17-year-old Robert Tull, a resident of the area, struck the 4 1/2-month-old male kitten with a garbage pail lid on the night of the kitten's death. Back at ASPCA headquarters in Manhattan, an examination of the kitten's remains proved that he had suffered head trauma and that he had been drowned.

ASPCA Special Agent Patrick Breen arrested Tull without incident on December 17, just a short distance away from the Fulton Avenue building. At 17, Tull is considered an adult by New York City law. He has been charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty and faces up to two years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

It is a well-documented phenomenon that those who hurt animals without provocation—especially young people—often move on to commit acts of violence against humans. Please report animal abuse in New York City by contacting the ASPCA's anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. To learn how to report cruelty elsewhere, visit our Report Cruelty section.