Teen Arrested In Death Of Sibling's Hamster

rockin'robin

rockin'robin

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19-Year-Old Accused Of Choking, Throwing Hamster In Dispute

NEW YORK -- A New York City teenager has been arrested on a felony charge in the death of a younger sibling's hamster.

Joseph Pentangelo of the ASPCA says the creature, which belonged to a 9-year-old, died during a domestic dispute in June.

The 19-year-old is accused of choking and squeezing the 4-ounce hamster and throwing it on the floor. It was then thrown across the street, though a necropsy concluded the animal was probably already dead by the time that happened.

Pentangelo says the charges include aggravated cruelty to animals and child endangerment. He says three children witnessed the hamster's demise.

The Brooklyn teen was arrested Tuesday night. If convicted, she could face up to two years in prison.

Teen Arrested In Death Of Sibling's Hamster - Jacksonville News Story - WJXT Jacksonville
 
I'm not a fan of hamsters but that's still cruel. The hamster had nothing to do with the dispute. Plus the 19 year old acted less mature than the 9 year old did in this case.
 
Just read this AM on yahoo news.....and I'm elated!...It's about time that animal abusers to get jail time instead of a "slap on the hand"!...


NEW YORK (Reuters) – A New York teenager has been charged with a felony, with the possibility of a two-year prison sentence, for killing her family's pet hamster, authorities said on Wednesday.

Monique Smith, 19, of Brooklyn was arguing with a family member in June when she reached for the hamster, choked it and threw it outside the house, police said.

Her arrest stemmed from an investigation into the incident after Smith's father contacted the America Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said ASPCA assistant director Joe Pentangelo.

Smith is charged with one felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals. If convicted, she faces the possibility of two years in prison.

"Sadly, very often, pets find themselves in the middle of these situations," said Pentangelo.

"A family will have a disagreement and unfortunately the animal is the recipient of misdirected or redirected rage."

The hamster died from blunt force trauma, liver damage and a brain hemorrhage, he said.

A grand jury selection to consider Smith's case is set to begin on Friday in Brooklyn Criminal Court.
 
Consider it a life lesson to not inflict harm upon any animals out of anger.
 
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