Wynne teen accused of setting kitten on fire (UALR Public Radio) - Police arrested a 16-year-old Wynne boy on suspicion of animal cruelty after he reportedly confessed to setting a kitten on fire.

The boy, who was not identified because of his age, was charged in St. Francis County juvenile court on Tuesday. Police Chief Michael Bachand says the boy was released Tuesday afternoon.

The police chief says the boy admitted dousing the 3-month-old yellow and white male kitten with lighter fluid, then setting it on fire as "a joke." The kitten had to be euthanized because of its injuries.

"At first he said he didn't do it, but he knew he was had," Bachand said. "He said it was his own idea and that he did it as a joke."

Animal cruelty is a misdemeanor in Arkansas and is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.


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