It reportedly started as an argument with his wife. But the 38-year-old Port Richmond man became so incensed that he allegedly killed a little kitten by snapping its neck and then severely beat its mother and slammed her on the ground to demonstrate his rage.
Juan Vasquez of the 90 block of Ann Street was arrested on Oct 22 by ASPCA police and he faces four years in prison if convicted.
Sources said the suspect had an early-morning argument with his wife last month that resulted in the assault on the pets.
Witnesses told the ASPCA that on Sept. 15 at 4 a.m. they saw Vasquez kill a kitten by grabbing it by the head and twisting it, said Joseph Pentangelo, assistant director of the ASPCA.
Vasquez then beat the kitten's mother, severely bruising her head, eyes and body, said Pentangelo.
Sources said Vasquez threw the cat to the ground with such force, the hair and whiskers were scrapped off the cat's face, which was swollen and had a hemorrhaging eye.
The cat is recovering at the ASPCA in Manhattan, he said
"This indeed is an ugly incident," said Pentangelo. "It illustrates that pets are very often the victims of domestic violence."
Vasquez was arrested by special agent Kristi Adams in front of his house and charged with two counts aggravated animal cruelty, said Pentangelo.
He could face up to two years in prison for each count, Pentangelo said. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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