2 Auburn children investigated for torturing kittens, uploading video on social media

Auburn Kitten Torture

Two Auburn children are being investigated after a video depicting the torture of at least two kittens surfaced on social media last week. These kittens were seized from the home. (Courtesy of the Finger Lakes SPCA)

Auburn, N.Y. — An investigation of two Auburn boys is underway after a cell phone video showing the torture of at least two kittens surfaced on social media last week.

The Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit received several complaints about the 20-second video through its animal cruelty tip line and through Facebook messenger, said Tom Adessa, a humane law enforcement officer with the group.

“It’s disturbing to say the very least,” said Adessa, who has worked with the FLSPCA for about five and a half years. “It is revolting to think that someone would do this to an animal, and even more revolting that they would record it.”

The two boys, age 12 and 14, are not being identified by authorities. They cannot be charged as adults with animal cruelty, Adessa said. Family court will handle the case.

The Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office and the Auburn Police Department assisted in executing a warrant on an Auburn home last week. Six kittens, roughly 6 weeks old, were rescued from the home, Adessa said.

The investigation is still active and additional charges are likely to follow, he said.

“This is way out of the ordinary,” Adessa said. “The kids are so young.”

All six kittens are receiving treatment and recovering, Adessa said.

“They are very resilient,” he said.

Authorities ask anyone with information about the video or the torture of the kittens to contact the Auburn Police Department, Investigator Daniel Emmi of the Cayuga County DA’s Office or Adessa at the FLSPCA.

Auburn Kitten Torture

Six kittens were rescued from an Auburn home after a video depicting the torture of the kittens surfaced on social media last week. (Courtesy of the Finger Lakes SPCA)

Staff writer James McClendon covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach him at 914-204-2815 or jmcclendon@syracuse.com.

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