A man in Florida has been arrested for allegedly killing the family’s kittens in front of his teenage daughter. Authorities report that this was used as a form of punishment. The incident led to the arrest of David Charette Jr., aged 48, who is now facing charges of aggravated animal cruelty.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office released bodycam footage showing deputies arriving at a residence in Pine Manor. They were responding to claims of a man attempting to drown and strike a two-month-old kitten named Luna.
The allegations involve the killing of two kittens and the injury of a third. Witnesses stated that Charette punished his daughter by abusing the animals when she misbehaved.
The video footage includes Charette’s defense of his actions. He claimed the need to bathe Luna due to dirtiness was the motive, denying his actions were cruel. “The cat is in perfectly healthy condition,” said Charette to deputies, explaining the need for repeated baths.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno expressed deep concern over the claims. He highlighted the disturbing nature of the alleged punishments involving Charette’s daughter. “This is sickening to me,” Marceno told CBS affiliate WINK News.
Further investigations revealed past incidents involving Charette. In June, he allegedly killed a one-month-old kitten using a bleach-soaked rag. Another incident involved a three-month-old kitten allegedly killed with a blow-dryer. The sheriff’s office reported these animals had been buried on the property, but only one was recovered during the investigation.
Luna, the surviving kitten, received treatment at a local animal hospital and is reportedly recovering well.