Teens Charged with Animal Cruelty in Paducah

Three McCracken County teenagers have been taken into custody and charged with second-degree animal cruelty. The charges follow an investigation that began Sunday afternoon, when the remains of a kitten were found on the Lone Oak High School football field.

Sheriff Jon Hayden says it was an internet posting that prompted the investigation. The posting included comments, photos of a live kitten, and photos of the kitten after its death.

During the investigation, another deceased cat was discovered near the kitten on the football field. Sheriff Hayden says evidence collected at the scene included an 11-pound rock with blood residue.

The cats were taken to a local veterinarian to determine the cause of death, which was listed as blunt force trauma.

All three teens were taken to an area juvenile facility Wednesday afternoon.