Cat torture draws probation

LINCOLN — A Lincoln teenager has been ordered to serve probation until he turns 19 for helping torture and kill a cat.

Jacob Weichel, 17, was sentenced Friday. He’s also banned from having a weapon or owning pets during his probation period and must complete 50 hours of community service.

Authorities say Weichel shot a cat with a bow and arrow in March, but didn’t kill it. A judge determined that amounted to animal cruelty.

Authorities say 17-year-old Andrew Kratz of Eagle picked the cat up by its tail, slammed it against a picnic table, then smashed the animal’s head with a log.

The incident was recorded on a cell-phone camera and shown to students at Waverly High School.
Kratz will be sentenced later this month.