PAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged animal cruelty.
Trapper Larson, 20 of Larned, appeared in custody Tuesday in Pawnee County Court on multiple cases, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.
He was charged with one count of Cruelty to Animals done with malicious intent. He broke the spine of kitten by stepping on and kicking it, according to McNett. This is alleged to have occurred on or about September 9, 2020.
As used in the Kansas Cruelty to Animal statute, “maliciously” is defined as a state of mind characterized by actual evil-mindedness or a specific intent to do a harmful act without a reasonable justification or excuse, according to McNett.
If convicted, he would be subject to a sentence of not less than 30 days or more than one year's imprisonment and be fined not less than $500 nor more than $5,000. The law also requires a psychological evaluation be prepared for the court and the defendant complete an anger management program.
In an unrelated matter, Larson is also charged with Battery. This is alleged to have occurred on September 12.
He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 28. Larson remains in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff, according to McNett.