Kitten Abused by a Human Mother and Children

I receive requests to sign animal welfare petitions almost every day. But when I read the latest, my eyes threatened tears of anger and frustration.

Florida resident Wilana Joenel Frazier and her two children were witnessed "pummeling" two kittens with an aluminum baseball bat at a public park, according to an article published on Tampa Tribune’s Hernando Today site.  One of the kittens was killed and the other critically injured. Since the descriptions of their brutal acts are so disturbing, I hesitate to share them here.

Realizing that one of the kittens was still barely alive, the witness— 10-year-old son of Brookville, Florida-based Sarah Murphy—and his friends, quickly grabbed the kitten and headed for the house where Murphy was visiting.

"They were scared, but at the same time they felt bad that they couldn't save the other kitten. My son's very happy that he and the other kids saved the cat's life and I'm glad that he did. If they hadn't done something, I can guarantee that cat wouldn't have lived,” Murphy told reporters.

After immediately wrapping the kitten in a t-shirt, Murphy called 911. The kitten started shaking. A Hernando County official arrived to pick up the kitten and get appropriate veterinary care.

In an update, Hernando Animal Services supervisor, Patrick Pace said the kitten, named Little Dexter, is eating and responding to care. Dexter continues to have seizures, which are being treated by veterinarians thanks to the help afforded by the nonprofit clinic PetLuv in Brooksville. Pace added, “His condition is definitely pointing in the right direction. Thank God."

The Murphy family is considering adopting Little Dexter when he is well enough to be discharged from the veterinary hospital.

When Frazier was questioned by deputies, she denied hurting any kittens. But since witnesses told investigators they observed Frazier and her two sons (ages 5 and 8) she was arrested on two counts of felony cruelty to animals and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Booked into the Hernando County Jail, she is being held on $14,000 bail. Since this is a felony animal cruelty charge, if found guilty, she can be sentenced to an extended jail term.

While the thought of taking a mother away from her young sons is gut-wrenching, the idea of leaving those little boys in the care of someone who encourages beating kittens is moreso, to me anyway.

Folks wishing to help the State’s Attorney to convince the Judge to impose a maximum penalty may do so by signing the Care2 petition.

Is this a petition you would sign?

Read an update on how Dexter, the surviving kitten is doing >>

We followed up with Dexter again, read how he's doing now >>