Arrests in kitten burning

<p>Two 15-year-old girls have been arrested in connection with a kitten being burned alive in Santa Rosa’s Apple Valley neighborhood, authorities said Monday.</p><p>The girls, whose names were withheld, are due in Juvenile Court on Tuesday. The proceedings are closed to the public by state law.</p><p>“We will fully prosecute this case of animal cruelty to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua said in a written statement announcing the arrests.</p><p>The girls were arrested Friday, Passalacqua said.</p><p>The 2-month-old kitten, who has since been given the name Adam, is recovering from his injuries at Animal Hospital of Cotati. Adam underwent more surgery last week, including a skin graft on his hind section and the removal of parts of his burned ears.</p><p>Adam was among six feral kittens and an adult cat that were trapped June 19 by a resident and were to be spayed and neutered by Forgotten Felines. </p><p>None of the other kittens has been found.</p><p>The resident, who was working independently of Forgotten Felines, left the caged animals unattended overnight outside his apartment and two of the cages containing the kittens were taken.</p><p>A reward of $8,000 was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.</p><p>The two girls, who are being held at Juvenile Hall, are being charged with killing, maiming or abusing an animal, Passalacqua said.</p>