Cody Mann, a man with a history problems with the law and mental illness, allegedly tortured. killed, skinned and baked his cat. According to him he, "was trying to cook it with onions." Unfortunately, many commenters on this story in newspapers and news shows around the country considered it funny. In a story printed in the Star Tribune (01/09/2014) his attorney made the following comments: "This poor man is being crucified." She also noted "at the end of the day, it’s meat. I don’t know why there’s the outrage about cooking a cat."
I think the attorney, the prosecutor's office, the judge, and the community of Monticello need to know that not everyone thinks torturing, killing, and baking a cat (or any other animal!) is funny. The man who did such a thing does not deserve our sympathy for having to face the consequences of his action. As to "mental illness," many people who are said to be mentally ill are not excused from viscious behavior. This man should not be absolved either.
