LARNED -- A Larned man, Trapper Larson, 20, is in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff after being charged with two counts of cruelty to animals, as well as an additional charge of battery. He appeared Tuesday morning before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on multiple cases. This according to a release from Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. 

“He was charged on Sept. 14, 2020, with one count of Cruelty to Animals done with malicious intent, to wit: he broke the spine of a kitten by stepping on and kicking, alleged to have occurred on or about Sept. 9, 2020.  The charge is an unclassified nonperson felony.

“As used in the Kansas Cruelty to Animal statute, “maliciously” is defined as a state of mind characterized by actual evil-mindedness or a specific intent to do a harmful act without a reasonable justification or excuse. If convicted, he would be subject to a sentence of not less than 30 days or more than one year's imprisonment and be fined not less than $500 nor more than $5,000. The law also requires a psychological evaluation be prepared for the court and the defendant complete an anger management program.”

Unrelated to Cruelty to Animals charges, Larson is also charged with Battery alleged to have occurred on September 12, 2020.

At the first appearance Judge Cowell advised the defendant of the charges, the possible penalties if convicted and his constitutional rights, including his right to counsel. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for the afternoon of September 28, 2020. Larson remains in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff.