Accused kitten torturer in court

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Matthew Jerome, 22, was in court on Thursday morning hear the three charges read against him.

Jerome faces two felony charges for cruelty, and a misdemeanor for neglect.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Allen County court, Sparkle originally belonged to his girlfriend Ashley Jackson who lived with Jerome.

He admitted he got into a fight with his girlfriend and was burning old photos and said he may have bumped the kitten into the flames.

Jerome said he heard the animal cry, but did not help it.

Investigators say he burned the kitten's whiskers with a lighter earlier in the day.

Sparkle is still  veterinary care until she gets better.

There are so many people interested in adopting Sparkle, the shelter plans to run a lottery once she's ready. Animal Care and Control also reminds anyone interested in adopting Sparkle there are many cats in the shelter in need of a home.