LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- The judge made a request Friday morning as a man answered to charges of torturing a cat: "Sir, you ought to stay away from animals."
21-year-old Steven Cox's response was simply, "Huh?" When the suggestion was repeated to him, he replied, "Yes, your honor." The judge repeated, "Stay away from animals. They're so defenseless."
Cox was arrested early Thursday morning at a hotel near the corner of Bardstown Road and Goldsmith Lane.
Police say they were initially called to the hotel on a report of a woman who was being held against her will. Instead, they say they found 21-year-old Steven Eric Cox and 18-year-old Marissa Mulford living in room 274, very much by choice, according to the arrest report.
Police say they had no reason for being there -- particularly given that the hotel was abandoned.
"There are signs posted that the motel is closed," police say.
A seriously injured kitten was found in the room with Cox and Mulford, according to the arrest report. Police say Cox admitted that he "grabbed the kitten by his neck and the kitten fell off the balcony."
Police didn't agree with Cox's version of events.
"The injuries were caused by an intentional act which caused pain and suffering, which resulted in serious physical injuries and possible death," police say.
The kitten may have to be euthanized, according to police.
Cox and Mulford are charged with criminal trespassing. Cox is also charged with torturing a cat, according to the arrest reports.
In court Friday it was revealed that Cox, who is from Arizona, has a criminal past there. Currently he's in Louisville where he has family.
Cox is not only charged with torturing the cat, but criminal trespassing for being at the abandoned hotel at Bardstown Road and Goldsmith Lane.
He remains behind bars on a $5,000 full cash bond.
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