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A teenager in Stanislaus County, California, has been arrested for felony cruelty to animals.
The arrest was prompted by video footage which allegedly shows him hurling a kitten into a large body of water.
Video
Authorities have also reportedly arrested the person who filmed the incident, which is believed to have occurred about a year ago.
It’s not known whether the kitten survived.
The video, which was shared on Facebook, prompted animal rights charity PETA to urge schools in the area to implement humane education via its humane education division TeachKind.
TeachKind can send materials to schools, suggest lesson plans, and even host classroom presentations for students via Skype – all for free.
‘Concern’
PETA Senior Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns, Marta Holmberg, said: “We’re facing a bullying epidemic, and when a teenager throws a kitten into the water while his friend films the abuse instead of stopping it, there’s cause for serious concern.
“TeachKind is urging schools to help prevent future acts of cruelty by teaching students to have respect for all living beings.”
According to TeachKind, leading mental-health professionals and law-enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to the community at large.
