MCSO: Man Tried to Feed Cat to Python

MESA, Ariz. - A 28-year-old Mesa man who police say tried to feed a 6-week-old kitten to a python snake has been arrested.

Jeremy Tuffly, 28, apparently tried to throw the kitten at a python in an attempt at getting the snake to strike. When the snake didn't take the bait, police say he drop-kicked the kitten across his front yard. The kitten did not survive.

The arrest came after MSCO deputies received a video from an anonymous tipster depicting the abuse, which actually took place in 2004. We've uploaded the video here, omitting the last moments when the kitten is kicked. [Warning: disturbing content] Then, he walks across the lawn to pick up the kitten's lifeless body.

Tuffly was arrested at his home in the 6000 block of E. Princess Dr. and has been booked into the 4th Ave Jail on a felony animal cruelty charge.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said in a statement, “This is a disgusting act of violence towards a defenseless animal and I have zero tolerance of this type of cruelty.”

The statute of limitations for animal abuse in Arizona is 7 years, the Sheriff says.

Reporting Animal Cruelty:
Arizona Animal Welfare League: 602-433-2000
Maricopa County Sheriff's Pet Posse: 602-876-1681
Arizona Humane Society: 602-997-7586
or contact your local police department