Iowa man gets probation for kicking two kittens

An Iowa man was sentenced to two years of probation after admitting to severely injuring two kittens after kicking the animals in the head, the Des Moines Register reported.

Tylor Nokes, 22, of Grimes, also was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service by June and pay fines fees and court costs, the newspaper reported.

According to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, on Dec. 6 two 6-month-old kittens were brought to the facility in "horrific condition," KCCI reported. Officials said the kittens showed evidence of major head trauma, a skull fracture and lung trauma, the television station reported.

The kittens, named Charm and Ritz, survived, but have suffered permanent brain damage from their abuse, according to the Animal Rescue League. They were adopted as special needs animals, KCCI reported.

“This case is one of far too many that illustrates the need for stronger penalties for animal abusers and improved definitions for prosecutors,” Tom Colvin, CEO for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, told the television station.

Nokes has been convicted of assault and domestic assault in connection with a pair of incidents involving romantic partners over the past four years, according to the Register. He successfully completed probation after the second incident.

Cox Media Group