Tried to Barbecue a Kitten?

The Apartment Dwellers Who Tried to Barbecue a Kitten-Truth!

Summary of the eRumor
The email says that a group of people in an apartment complex in Liberty, Missouri tried to barbecue a kitten. A woman who saw what was going on rescued the kitten and is being persecuted for it.

The Truth
This story is true and was widely reported in Missouri. According to the Associated Press, a man was arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Authorities say he placed the live seven-week-old kitten on a lighted barbecue grill. Other people are said to have been poking the kitten with a stick and saying "Meow, meow," but none of them was identified so have not been charged. Sherry Scott, the woman who rescued the kitten, said she and others stayed up most of the night trying to nurse the kitten, but animal control officers said it was too badly injured and it was put to sleep.

Last updated 8/6/02

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:

Dear friends and family, This news is so terrible I just HAD to do
something. Last night some rednecks in Liberty Missouri tried to Bar-b-que
a KITTEN on their grill at their apartment complex. When this woman saw
what was going on, she grabbed the poor helpless aminal amid tauntings and
laughter (can you believe this?). I am so disgusted, and I called the
paper, got her number (she is now being threatened and has death threats
because the police are involved) and must move asap. This poor woman is
on
disability, has no money and no car. She is hiding out in her apartment,
terrified. The poor kitten was put to sleep because of the burns, I can't
bear this story. Anyway, I have sent her some money and am asking anyone
who can, help h! er out. She was up against ten men, bless her heart. Here
is her address and phone number: Sherry Scott 1270 Missouri Court Apt 719
Liberty, Mo 64068

phone:816 415 4481