GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) – A 56-year-old western Michigan woman has received a 150-day jail sentence for killing three kittens.
Authorities say Melanie Jasina, of Grand Rapids, snapped the kittens’ necks on March 3 after a domestic dispute with a 16-year-old who owned the animals.
A pre-sentencing report had recommended that she get probation on the animal killing conviction, but Kent County Circuit Judge Paul Sullivan decided to jail Jasina. He also placed her on two years’ probation at Tuesday’s sentencing. Jasina was charged with three counts of killing or torturing an animal.
Sullivan said Jasina “savagely ended their lives” and may have traumatized the teenage owner.
Jasina has said she doesn’t remember the killings because she was drinking heavily. The sentence allows for possible early release if she gets substance abuse counseling.
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