Crown counsel has laid charges against Kamloops resident Steven Seidel in a disturbing case of animal cruelty. BC SPCA investigators recommended the charges against Seidel, who is accused of strangling his cat with his bare hands. The body of the deceased cat was found in a garbage dumpster behind the building where Seidel lived.

“It is so disturbing to think that an innocent animal would have suffered and died under such horrifying and unnecessary circumstances,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA. “We hope the courts will take this case very seriously and that justice will be served for this poor animal.”

Seidel has been charged under both the Criminal Code of Canadaand the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. If convicted he faces up to 18 months in jail and/or a $10,000 fine under the Criminal Code, or up to two years in jail and/or a $75,000 fine if convicted under the PCA Act. Seidel could also receive up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.