TWO youths have been charged with torturing and causing the death of an animal following an incident at Seaforth last month that shocked neighbours.

Elvis the cat was allegedly thrown into a bush and then fatally kicked in the head by two 17-year-olds, one from Clontarf, the other from Allambie Heights.

media_camera Elvis the cat who was tortured and killed by two teens

Police allege the youths killed Elvis – a 10-year-old long-hair norwegian cross – about 8pm on Saturday, February 13.

The next morning a neighbour found Elvis’ body in the gutter and told owner Tom Leonardi.

Mr Leonardi assumed Elvis had been hit by a car or had accidentally eaten poison, and buried him.

Because of his friendly and easygoing nature, Elvis was well-known and loved in the area so Mr Leonardi placed signs around the area to tell people about the sad news.

“He was one of those friendly, placid, easygoing and loveable sort of cats,” he told the Manly Daily at the time.

“Anyone who walked down the street, he’d go straight up to for a pat.”

Mr Leonardi said residents even gave Elvis Christmas cards and treats.

But one of the signs Mr Leonardi posted was seen by alleged witnesses to the incident. They contacted him and the matter was then reported to the police.

media_camera Elvis the cat who was tortured and killed by two local teens.

The police asked that Elvis’ body be exhumed so a necropsy could be performed to determine cause of death.

Following an investigation by the police, both youths have now been charged with torturing, beating or causing the death of an animal and with aggravated cruelty upon an animal.

Mr Leonardi said he and the neighbourhood were still reeling over the incident.

“I’m still getting reminders because people, as they find out, send me cards and tell me how much they miss him,” he said.

“Everyone just feels so bad about it and they just can’t understand it.”

Mr Leonardi said he was finding it difficult to move on from the loss.

“It’s going to take time,” he said.

“It’s hard to lose a little friend like that.”

Mr Leonardi plans to rebury Elvis soon. He also wants to get a plaque made and put it at Elvis’ favourite lazing spot.



The youths will appear at Bidura Children’s Court on April 4.