A Findlay man was arraigned Wednesday on misdemeanor charges of breaking a kitten's neck. Timothy Mompher, a volunteer for Teddy's Rescue, does not deny the incident, which took place back on October 28, according to the Blade. Mompher said the kitten was suffering and was told to do so by Missy VanWormer, a former manager of the Findlay shelter.
Hancock County Dog Warden and Humane Officer Dana Berger said what made Mompher's actions especially egregious was that the kitten did not die on the first attempt and snapped the kitten's neck a second time. Findlay Municipal Court Judge Robert Fry said that since the defendant is "no stranger to this court" he was setting a $1,000 cash unsecured appearance bond. Mompher asked for a public defender and the case was continued to March 6.
The arraignment drew protesters outside Findlay Municipal Court calling for stronger penalties for animal cruelty. Ohio is one of the few states that does not have a first-offense felony provision for animal cruelty.
