A 58-year-old man from Santa Lucija who suffers from mental health issues has been handed a suspended sentence after admitting to animal cruelty charges.

The man admitted to causing suffering to and killing a domestic animal.

Sources explained that the man, described as someone with “knowledge about animals,” killed the young kitten with a piece of wood because it was “weak” and “would not have survived.” The police were called in after the dead animal was found discarded in the street.

Another seven live kittens found at his home were taken away by the veterinary services.

Magistrate Antonio Vella denied a request for a ban on the publication of the accused’s name. This paper is not publishing the name of the accused due to his mental health issues.

The Magistrate told the accused that his actions were unacceptable and could not be repeated. He said, however, that handing down a prison sentence or a fine would do no one any good. The Magistrate sentenced the accused to one year in prison, suspended for three years. The man was also placed under the supervision of a probation officer for three years and a treatment order of three years. The man, who said he was sorry for his actions, thanked the magistrate after his sentence was read out and said he understood the ramifications of failing to abide by the conditions set out by the court.

Lawyer Benjamin Valenzia appeared for the accused. Police Inspector Chantelle Casha prosecuted.