Cat thrown into homecoming bonfire Gunnison, CO (US) Incident Date: Tuesday, Aug 31, 1999 County: Gunnison Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Name Undisclosed

Case ID: 4334 Classification: Burning - Fire or Fireworks, Throwing Animal: cat View more cases in CO (US) Login to Watch this Case

An unidentified Gunnison High School student has been suspended and could face criminal charges after he allegedly threw a cat into a bonfire during a homecoming pep rally.

A group of students lighted the school's "G" on a hillside and then started the bonfire to celebrate homecoming weekend.

Principal Steve Coleman said, "Nobody really knew it occurred until this cat bounded back out of the flames. It was pretty anguished and had suffered severe burns."

The burned cat was taken to a veterinarian and had to be euthanized.

The firefighters extinguished the bonfire and the pep rally ended early.

One student was suspended for 10 days. Several other students remain under investigation.

The student's name was not released and ordered to obtain counseling before returning to school.

The student and any others held responsible could face criminal charges under municipal or state animal-cruelty laws.

Keith Robinson, patrol supervisor for the Gunnison Police Department, said "I've been here 20 years and I've never seen anything like that. I'd say its pretty unusual."

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References

The Denver Post - Sept 18, 1999

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