A teenage boy who admitted killing two kittens in a grotesque act of animal cruelty confessed he did so to “reduce his urge to murder humans,” a youth court in London has heard. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared alongside his girlfriend, also 17, at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday (August 4) for sentencing after both admitted to torturing and killing the animals in a West London field in May.
The kittens were discovered by horrified members of the public near Ruislip Golf Club on May 3. One was found hanging from a tree with a red rope around its neck, its lower half “completely ripped open,” eyes bulging and charred fur. The other lay mutilated on the ground nearby. Scattered around were knives, scissors, and a blowtorch, believed to have been used in the brutal attack.
Officers seized the boy’s phone and found a deeply disturbing note. “I really wanted to murder someone,” it read.
“Every day I was researching how to get away with murder. I have come close. I have killed cats to reduce my urges. I have skinned, strangled, and stabbed cats.”
Police also uncovered searches related to satanic animal sacrifice and videos of human beheadings.
The teenagers were arrested after witnesses spotted them running from the scene with an animal carrier. Two others, aged 15 and 16, were arrested but later released without charge.
Both defendants were in local authority care and were reportedly in a relationship. The court was told the girl had previously absconded to meet the boy, and was found with a tin of tuna, allegedly intended for luring animals.
Throughout the sentencing, the boy appeared relaxed, even smiling and locking eyes with journalists as the shocking details of his crimes were read out. His co-defendant was more subdued but still smiled when her sentence was handed down.
The boy received a 12-month detention order, with the judge describing the case as “one of the most awful offences I have seen.”
Detective Constable Rebecca Rickhuss said: “This was a deeply distressing case. We were concerned that torturing and killing cats would be a catalyst onto further violent offending.”
She urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online activity, warning that early signs of cruelty can indicate far more dangerous tendencies.
An RSPCA spokesperson said the organisation was “shocked and saddened” by the case, which they say highlights the alarming rise of animal cruelty exposure among teens.
Both defendants are currently in local authority care, but may face custodial sentences.