Authorities in Harris County, Texas, are on the lookout for two juveniles accused of setting a 6-week-old kitten on fire early Thursday morning. The disturbing incident, captured by multiple surveillance cameras around 1 a.m. on the 12600 block of Drifting Woods Drive, shocked the community.
Footage shows the helpless kitten engulfed in flames as it runs down the street, with a dog belonging to one of the suspects in pursuit. The suspects can be heard laughing as the kitten burns.
Arleth Garcia, a witness, initially mistook the sounds for a party but soon realized the severity of the situation. With the kitten suffering greatly, Garcia and her friend attempted to douse the flames with water and grass clumps.
Despite efforts to save the kitten, it had to be euthanized by a veterinarian. Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen described the incident as one of the most appalling he’s encountered.
Although Garcia and her friend confronted one of the suspects, she denied involvement before retreating indoors with the dog.
Authorities have identified two suspects, believed to be between 10 and 15 years old, but have yet to question them. Acting on a tip, deputies executed a search warrant on a residence the suspects were seen entering, where they discovered animals living in poor conditions.
An upcoming hearing will determine custody of the seized animals.
