Charles C. Benoit burned a kitten on a BBQ grill in the courtyard of an apartment complex as 10 to 12 people stood around saying "Meow, meow", until a resident pulled it off the grill, burning her hand.
The crowd dispersed after Sherry Scott, the rescuer, threatened to call the police. She and other residents tried to nurse the kitten and care for it, but an animal control person decided that the injuries were too great and put the cat to sleep.
Benoit was charged with animal abuse and is held on $10,000 bail. If convicted, he faces a prison term of up to 5 years and a fine of $5000.