Kitten beaten to death for lying on couch
Washington, DC (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Aug 6, 2010
County: District of Columbia

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Ronnie Melson

30 year old Ronnie Melson was arrested Thursday, September 2, 2010 and charged with animal cruelty for allegedly killing a three month old kitten with a broom.

Mr. Melson allegedly struck the innocent kitten, named Tyra, in the head with a broom after the kitten did not get off the couch. The blow cracked Tyra's tiny skull.

The incident took place on the 1200 block of Howison Place, Southwest, Washington, DC on August 6th. While visiting a friend's home witnesses say Mr. Melson became upset with Tyra, a small grey tiger striped female kitten because she was lying on the couch.

Mr. Melson allegedly went to the kitchen, grabbed a broom, and hit the kitten over the head. The blow resulted in the kitten's death. Mr. Melson admitted to our humane investigators that he was looking for a belt to hit the kitten with, but when he could not find a belt, he grabbed a broom.

There were also two young boys, inside the home at the time, who witnessed the deadly attack on Tyra.

References

• washingtoncitypaper.com - Sep 3, 2010
• washhumane.org - Sep 3, 2010
• washingtonpost.com - Sept 3, 2010

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