A former deputy mayor on the Greek island of Crete is facing felony animal cruelty charges after being accused of killing a newborn kitten by violently throwing it against a wall, according to witness testimony and video evidence cited by local authorities.
The case has sparked outrage after videos allegedly captured the 77-year-old former official carrying the kitten and later discarding its lifeless body.
According to reports, eyewitnesses alerted authorities after seeing the man handling the animal. He was arrested and criminal charges were filed against him at felony level. Following his testimony before investigators, he was released under restrictions pending trial.
Videos Central to Investigation
The accused reportedly told authorities that he found the kitten already dead in the courtyard of his apartment building and intended to dispose of it in a trash bin.
According to his statement, he later returned to search for the animal but could not find it because more garbage had been piled on top of it.
However, video footage cited in the case appears to challenge that account.
According to statements presented by the lawyer involved in the case, one video allegedly shows the man approaching a wall while holding the kitten before later hiding it from view. A second video reportedly captures him striking the kitten forcefully against a wall.
The lawyer claimed the footage contradicts the argument that the animal had already been dead before being picked up.
Witnesses Reported Incident
An eyewitness reportedly saw the former official carrying the kitten toward garbage bins and attempted to question him about what he was doing.
According to the lawyer, the man denied having the kitten when confronted.
