16-year-old convicted after dousing cat in accelerant, setting it on fire

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A 16-year-old boy has been convicted after he reportedly doused a cat with accelerant and intentionally set it on fire in January of 2024.

In a Facebook post by RACC on Thursday, May 29, the shelter said a person was convicted after they reportedly doused a tuxedo cat in accelerant and set it on fire while it was inside a crate on Jan. 13, 2024, in Richmond.

The cat was found with burns over 60% of its body, and it died due to those second and third-degree burns, according to a shelter spokesperson.

The conviction reportedly comes after more than a year of collaboration between the Richmond Police Department and Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Denise Anderson.

RACC said this comes thanks to the $15,000 reward that was raised and utilized.

According to Richmond Police, the person convicted is a 16-year-old boy who was charged and pled guilty to arson, felony cruelty to animals, brandishing a firearm and obstruction of justice by force in connection to the incident.

“This act was a shocking display of cruelty,” said Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem. “We appreciate the public’s assistance and the dedication of our officers in ensuring accountability.”