Children save kitten from violent beating

Sarah Murphy was thankful she didn't witness a woman, along with her young children, pummeling two kittens with an aluminum baseball bat and vicious kicks Friday afternoon at Hill N' Dale Park.

But her 10-year-old son did. She said he and a group of friends went to the park to play only to instead witness what she described as a violent attack with a bat by a woman toward two small kittens that had wandered toward her and her two boys — ages 5 and 8.

"I feel horrible that the kids had to see that. It's just so terrible," Murphy said. "For her and her son to tag-team kittens? I can't even fathom this."

She said her son — whom she prefers not to name — told her that he and his friends watched in horror as the woman, later identified as 24-year-old Wilana Joenel Frazier, struck the two kittens with an aluminum bat while making comments about shooting people and killing.

The two boys and Frazier also kicked the kittens repeatedly. One boy threw one of the kittens against a tree and attempted to cut the other kitten's neck with a stick.

Once a black kitten appeared to have died, the body was thrown in a trash receptacle while one of the children poured water over it.

Murphy said her son and his friends grabbed the remaining kitten and headed back to the house where she was visiting a friend in the area. She said they were shaken by the incident and worried about the surviving kitten's health.

"They were scared, but at the same time they felt bad that they couldn't save the other kitten," Murphy said. "My son's very happy that he and the other kids saved the cat's life and I'm glad that he did. If they hadn't done something, I can guarantee that cat wouldn't have lived."

Murphy said she quickly wrapped the kitten in a t-shirt and called 911. While she waited, she said the animal began to shake violently.

A Hernando County Animal Services employee arrived also and took the kitten, which at the time was unresponsive and would not open its eyes. It also had dried blood on its nose and mouth along with a small wound on the left side of its neck, according to a Hernando County Sheriff's Office report.

Based on the children's accounts and other witnesses of the kitten beating, deputies arrested Frazier on charges animal cruelty and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

While standing outside and talking to deputies, Murphy said roughly 30 people gathered around. One of Frazier's relatives began screaming at her for calling the police.

It's for that reason she said she doesn't want her son named.

"We were definitely scared to a certain extent," Murphy said. "But you know — you expect kids to do the right thing and the right thing to do in this situation as an adult was to call the police."

HCAS Supervisor Patrick Pace said despite its severe head trauma, the kitten — named Little Dexter — is now responding and is able to hold food down.

He added that the animal was having seizures, but veterinarians are treating that with medication — thanks in large part to PetLuv in Brooksville.

"His condition is definitely pointing in the right direction," Pace said. "Thank God."

Murphy too was pleased to learn about the kitten's improved health. She said she was informed that there are other kittens in that area as well and that HCAS officials are looking for them.

Meanwhile, she said she and her husband are considering adopting "Little Dexter" should the kitten pull through. Her son especially is fond of the idea.

"He obviously has a special attachment to the cat," Murphy said. "He can't stop talking about saving it. And we're very proud that he did."