Deputies: Man killed kittens during family argument

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

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CLEARWATER (Bay News 9) -- A Clearwater man was arrested Monday after deputies said he killed two kittens during a family argument.

James Patrick Gilley, 48, was arrested for the second time on Monday following a fight with his adult stepson. He was initially arrested for domestic battery on Saturday, after deputies were called to his home on Pine Street.

According to reports, Gilley was arguing with his 21-year-old stepson, when the argument turned physical. He allegedly hit his stepson in the head, prompting deputies to arrest him.

Deputies said they were told that, during the argument, Gilley had picked up a kitten and thrown it against the ground several times. The kitten could not be found when deputies showed up at the house, although they said they did find evidence to support the allegation.

On Sunday, deputies said they were again called to the home after the bodies of two dead kittens were found near a storage shed. Deputies said both of the kittens had died as a result of obvious trauma. Gilley, who had posted bond following his first arrest, was re-arrested and charged with two counts of animal cruelty.

The rest of the kittens were taken by the stepson, who told deputies he was moving to a new location.

Gilley posted bond, which had been set at $20,000, and was released Sunday evening.

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