Cat Stabbed To Death With Screwdriver By 'Mentally Sick' Man For Messing Up Home

A man was found guilty of stabbing a cat to death with a screwdriver by a court in the Indian state of Maharashtra on Wednesday.

The court heard that Sanjay Gade tortured and killed the cat with a screwdriver in front of his home in May 2018 before disposing of the body. A neighbor, who witnessed the cruel act, immediately clicked a photo of the man holding up a stick with the dead feline hanging from it and posted the image on social media. Following an outrage, an animal activist filed a police complaint.

During interrogation, Gade admitted to the crime and said he killed the cat because it had messed his house. It was, however, not clear if the feline belonged to the accused.

Prosecutors told the court Wednesday that the man pleaded guilty voluntarily following which the court decided against examining any witness.

“The accused has admitted he has committed the offense by torturing and killing the cat. Therefore, he is entitled to punishment before the law,” the court said, local daily the Times of India reported

He pleaded guilty to several charges including torturing an animal and causing mischief. However, Gade was not given a prison sentence.

“The accused is a physically and mentally sick person. Therefore, lenient view has to be taken while awarding the sentence,” the court said. Gade was fined 9,000 INR ($125).