Lulu, the six month old kitten pictured above, was so cruelly tortured by her owner’s boyfriend that the 25 year old man has been charged with extreme animal cruelty and is being held on $50,000 bail. The 6 month old kitten will need medical attention to help her recover from her physical injuries, and loving care to help her recover from the psychological trauma.
According to Las Cruces, NM police, Lulu was hurt by Mathew Montes, a Las Cruces resident. An arrest affidavit outlined details of the crimes.
In short, Montes allegedly sexually abused Lulu with sticks, dunked her lower half in hot water, and strangled her to unciousness.
Photos we have seen but will not share here show the damage caused by the burning hot water.
According to police, Montes’ 22 year old girlfriend found her kitten unable to walk and leaning against a wall of her litter box, where she had taken refuge. The young woman took Lulu to her mother’s house. She told police Montes admitted he’d choked the kitten into unconsciousness.
After a few days, when portions of Lulu’s fur began to fall out in clumps, Montes let it be known he’d submerged her in scalding hot water.
The woman took Lulu to an emergency vet who determined that Lulu’s injuries were consistent with burns from hot water. Lulu’s hind legs were bloody, and losing fur and skin. The vets say she will likely need skin grafts.
Montes was arrested Wednesday, October 23, and charged with one count of extreme cruelty to animals, a fourth-degree felony. He was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with a cash-only bond set at $50,000.
Despite the horrendously depraved nature and details of the crime, and the felony charge, Montes only faces a possible punishment of up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine, if convicted.
Note: We have not yet learned where Lulu is receiving her medical care. We will update this post or do a followup when we know.
“We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”
~Immanuel Kant
If I could get hold of this man, he would not be breathing.
Scary, and as other commenters have said, the girlfriend is next in line. The guy has done this before I am sure. Perhaps to stray animals, other peoples pets, etc. This kind of behavior didn’t just start with this kitten. So many women find themselves in abusive relationships and do nothing to get out, the abuser controls them. Hopefully she will leave. Regardless, Lulu the kitten will need to be placed in foster care where she can get the care and help she needs.
I am so angry I am in tears! This man deserves much worse than 18 months and 5k in punishment! He will just re-offend and this poor kitten will never be the same again. I foster and bottle feed and stories like this make me never want to give up my babies. I pray to god that Lulu is safe and will recover in a home that will give her the love she deserves and her owner never looks at him except in court again. Someone needs to stand up for this little girl.