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NY Man Charged for 'Marinating' A Live Cat

By Laura Strachan, Esq. on August 12, 2010 11:40 AM

The cat formerly known as Navarro (new name: Oliver) is lucky he has have nine lives. Navarro was saved when cops heard the cat's cries during a traffic stop of his owner, Gary Korkuc. Cheektowaga, New York native Korkuc was pulled over for running a stop sign when police heard the normally black and white cat in the trunk of his car. Upon inspection, they found Korkuc's feline marinating in oil, crushed peppers and chili peppers, reports Yahoo News.

No, Korkuc was not trying to get one last summer barbeque in, but told police that he was punishing his cat because he was ill-tempered. This is not the only bizarre cat antics Korkuc admitted to -- he also told police that his neutered male cat was pregnant. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokesperson Gina Browing told Mail Online, "He was covered in oil, he was covered in a few different kinds of peppers, some hot peppers, so his eyes were watering ... who knows what he was facing." Police believe he was preparing to eat his cat.

In taking his punishment too far, Gary Korkuc has now tacked on animal cruelty charges to his traffic infraction. Laws enacted to prevent the cruel treatment of animals can be classified as a felony offense in certain states. They can also carry alternative forms of punishment hoping to deter future offenses, including therapy and fines. Marinating a live cat will likely carry a stiffer sentence than running a stop sign.

Animal lovers will be happy to know that after a couple of baths, Navarro has already been adopted and renamed Oliver by his new owner. The SPCA has also banned Korkuc from owning an animal in the future.

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