By Mackenzie Tatananni For Dailymail.Com
20:28 14 Dec 2023, up to date 21:26 14 Dec 2023
- Justin Epperson and Emily Allred had been charged with animal abuse and drug possession Monday
- Police discovered a tiny kitten weighing simply over one pound within the backseat, crammed right into a sandwich container and lined in feces
- The kitten, named Athena by veterinary workers, is anticipated to get better, however could undergo imaginative and prescient loss and long-term results from publicity to medication
A Utah couple are accused of torturing a six-week-old kitten who was present in a plastic sandwich container with methamphetamine in her system.
Justin Dale Epperson, 45, and Emily Maureen Allred, 41, had been arrested early Monday morning in Cottonwood Heights, roughly 15 miles from Salt Lake City.
Police discovered the duo slumped over in a automobile that was illegally tenting within the metropolis, based on an affidavit.
Epperson and Allred had been allegedly present in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The couple had been blanketed in cat fur, and a faint meowing sounded from contained in the automobile.
Cottonwood Heights Police Sergeant Gary Young mentioned the Siamese kitten was crammed in a sandwich container within the backseat.
Only her head was peeking out, whereas the remainder of her physique had been duct-taped inside and was lined in feces.
The kitten ‘was in very poor well being,’ court docket paperwork say. She was delivered to Angel Paws Veterinary Services in vital however secure situation. There, workers named her Athena.
She weighed simply over one pound and was estimated to be round six weeks old.
Upon admission to the clinic, Athena was handled for head trauma, singed fur, bruising on her temple and a watch harm.
‘She additionally examined optimistic for meth and amphetamine, based on preliminary outcomes,’ the clinic mentioned in a press release.
As of Tuesday, she had been weaned off oxygen whereas nonetheless receiving fluid help and ache remedy.
While she is not averse to people, the clinic says she could undergo long-term results as a consequence of drug publicity and head trauma. There can also be an opportunity of partial or complete imaginative and prescient loss in her proper eye.
However, medical director Jessica Love advised KTVX that the kitten had made a ‘exceptional restoration.’
‘She’s doing a lot better,’ Love mentioned, including that Athena did not present any indicators of intoxication regardless of being uncovered.
The clinic posted an update video to Facebook exhibiting the tiny kitten batting round a delicate toy.
‘It’s be a whirlwind week for us at Angel Paws!’ the caption learn. ‘Thank you to all who’ve reached out in help of our warrior Athena!’
It continued: ‘Dr. Love has given Athena the alright to be discharged to a veterinary technician medical foster for rehabilitation and at some stage in the continuing prison investigation surrounding her accidents.’
The kitten’s adoption is pending her restoration and the investigation, the clinic mentioned.
Epperson and Allred had been launched Tuesday. They had been charged with torture of a companion animal, possession of a managed substance and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, based on the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Police say the duo have a historical past of drug-related crimes.
‘They are repeat offenders and this time they’re exhibiting no regard to life by torturing a household pet,’ the affidavit says.
Allred was additionally charged with dashing, driving on a denied license and no proof of insurance coverage, amongst different vehicle-related fees.
An picture posted to Epperston’s Instagram account in April 2020 reads: ‘Everything I wish to do is prohibited.’
Animal cruelty turns into a 3rd diploma felony in Utah if the accused ‘deliberately or knowingly tortures a companion animal,’ which means a home canine or cat.
These crimes are punishable by as much as 5 years in jail and/or a $5,000 nice.
