The two girls, who were 15 at the time, allegedly uploaded the video to Twitter. It showed them placing the kitten in the microwave, turning it on for a few seconds and laughing about it. Many people who saw the video reported the incident to police in South Portland, Maine. An investigation followed. The kitten in question, who was named Miracle, was placed with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, said reporters. He is expected to be OK.
Cat lovers from all over the world reportedly asked the shelter if they could adopt Miracle. The kitten was eventually placed with a woman from Maine.
Attorney for the two teens claimed they had not intended to harm the kitten.
“Torturing an animal is a marker for some serious behavioral problems, but we don’t know if these defendants fit that profile,” he said. “The perception that something malicious was going on is not true.”
Cruelty to animals is a Class D crime in Maine, which means those convicted usually pay a fine of between $500 and $2,500 and/or can be placed in prison for up to one year.
Prior to sentencing them to community service, Judge Keith Powers also ordered the teens to undergo a psychological evaluation and had considered bringing up a felony charge against them.