‘Sadistic’ Teenagers Jailed for Torture and Killing of Kittens in North-West London
Overview
Two 17-year-olds have been sentenced for the “sadistic and premeditated” torture and killing of two kittens in a wooded area near Ickenham Road, Ruislip. The boy and girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Highbury Corner Youth Court where they were detained for 12 and 9 months respectively.
The horrific incident took place on 3 May, when members of the public discovered the mutilated bodies of two kittens, one hanging from a red rope, the other lying on the ground with burn marks and ropes attached. Knives, blowtorches, and scissors were found at the scene.
The teenagers admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the protected animals and possession of knives at Ruislip Golf Course.
“Chilling Desire to Kill”
The court heard how the boy had researched satanic rituals, animal sacrifices, and had fantasised about killing a human and “getting away with murder.” Notes found on his phone revealed chilling admissions: “I have skinned, strangled, and stabbed cats.”
District Judge Hina Rai described the attack as “extensively planned” and told the boy: “It seems you chose the kittens because they have emotion and you would have power over them.”
The girl, who was found to have a borderline personality disorder, had downloaded images of mutilated kittens and had posted adverts to buy more animals under the guise of wanting company. The judge told her: “There is evidence you may have been the instigator and more willing to cause the kittens’ suffering for attention.”
No Previous Convictions — But Banned for Life
Both teenagers were banned for life from owning or being in charge of animals and were ordered to pay a £41 victim surcharge. The court also ordered the seizure of the girl’s pet rabbit.
Neither had previous convictions, but the judge remarked that these were among the “most awful offences against animals” she had seen in court.
RSPCA & CPS Response
Stephen Hancock, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, condemned the killings as an “unimaginable act of cruelty on two defenceless animals which caused immense shock across our community.”
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This attack was horrific and completely unnecessary. It is deeply concerning that many more young people are being exposed to animal cruelty, which raises serious questions about how animals are valued in today’s society.”
Public Helped Identify Suspects
The pair were tracked down thanks to photographs and CCTV footage provided by members of the public who witnessed them carrying a moving animal carrier near the crime scene.
Police Investigation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed both suspects had been interviewed and expressed limited remorse. Detectives described the incident as a “chilling escalation of violent fantasies” and expressed concerns about the boy’s expressed desire to harm humans.
