Man accused of videotaping himself torturing, killing kitten
The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region says a Pueblo man is facing charges for allegedly videotaping himself torturing and killing a 12-week-old kitten.
Robert Heckmann, 25, is facing felony animal cruelty charges.
The Humane Society says the video shows Heckmann trying to drown and then eventually strangling the orange tiger Kitten named Loki. It says Heckmann was arrested after animal law enforcement officers searched his home and found Loki’s body in a garbage can on Jan. 19.
According to the Humane Society, animal law enforcement officers also found a number of text messages about the incident on his cell phone. It says one text read quote: “I feel like a (expletive) sick person… You feel euphoric and just don’t care what else is going on. A huge natural high. That’s why killing is addictive. I haven’t had that high in so long, and I’m pissed it’s already over.”
Joe Stafford, Director of Animal Law Enforcement at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and Pueblo Animal Services, says this is one of the worst, most distressing cases of cruelty he has ever seen.
“There is a strong correlation between animal cruelty and other forms of violence. This type of violence worries me.” Stafford said.”We’ve seen many cases in which those convicted of animal cruelty go on to commit other acts of violence such as domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse. Our main concern is to see justice done on behalf of Loki. While it’s up to the courts to decide, we hope Heckmann is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Heckmann is out on bond and awaiting arraignment. He faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted of the charges he’s facing.
Animal law enforcement with the Humane Society rescued Loki’s brother, Stewie, from the home. Stafford said that Stewie witnessed the torture and killing but has not shown many ill effects.
Stewie suffers from a congenital esophagus malformation that will require extensive surgery before he will be available for adoption. Staff veterinarians are working with a specialist to get him the best care possible. He will eventually be up for adoption at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
