KYSON CUMMINGS SENTENCED IN SWINDON FOR CRUELTY TO KITTEN

Kyson Cummings, born on 24 September 2003 and residing at 4 Albany Close, Walcot, Swindon SN3 2GX, was convicted in 2025 of causing fatal injuries to a four-month-old kitten named Grimz. Cummings claimed that a television had fallen on the kitten at his family home in Albany Close, resulting in severe head and spinal injuries.

The court heard that Grimz had been living with the Cummings family for approximately six weeks before the attack. On 19 November 2023, the family contacted their local veterinary clinic to report that Grimz had been found 'injured and unresponsive,' lying beneath a fallen television. An examination of the cat revealed 'severe conditions.'

A family member expressed skepticism about Cummings’ account, stating that they told the vet that Kyson Cummings had 'mentioned wanting to harm the kitten the previous week due to its toileting habits.' The veterinarian, who noted that Grimz was in a coma, recommended euthanasia because of the extensive head injuries and poor prognosis. The vet explained, 'My decision to report the case stemmed from [a family member’s] statement casting doubt on the accidental nature of the injury. I found it also implausible that a 1.1kg (2.4lb) kitten could displace a television screen.'

Independent veterinary surgeon David Martin, acting as an expert witness for the RSPCA, reviewed the case and stated, 'It is my expert opinion that Grimz was deliberately harmed. It is highly unlikely that a kitten would be able to knock the TV over, even if playing boisterously. The injuries are completely inconsistent but are fully compatible with a heavy and forceful kick to the underside of the head. He was not caused to suffer as there is no evidence of him being conscious following the injury, but it is my opinion that Mr. Cummings failed to take reasonable steps to protect Grimz from pain, suffering, injury, and disease. Grimz died as a result of deliberately inflicted blunt force trauma to his head and neck.'

Martin also mentioned that the cruelty may have been related to Grimz urinating on the bed shortly before the incident, as Cummings had previously stated. Despite denying guilt, Cummings was found guilty after a trial.

RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, who led the investigation, commented after sentencing, stating, 'This young kitten was hit with such force that his severe injuries meant the only option was to put him to sleep. Owning a pet is a privilege—they rely on their owners for care and safety, and sadly Grimz was failed in this regard. It’s a heartbreaking ending for Grimz, who was deliberately harmed when he deserved kindness and protection. The only consolation is that he was not subjected to prolonged pain and suffering.'

In sentencing, Cummings received an 18-month community order, should complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and participate in 35 days of rehabilitation activity with the probation service. He was also disqualified from keeping animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in March 2030.