Charges of animal cruelty have been laid against Nanaimo resident Sang Min Han in a horrifying abuse case involving a six-month-old female kitten named Tommy.

A local veterinarian alerted SPCA animal protection officers in January 2010, when a client brought in a kitten with a severe head trauma, fractured rib, extreme neck and abdominal pain, fever, dermatitis and a broken tooth. The individual told the veterinarian that the damage was done by his adult nephew, Han, who used "excessive force during grooming."  Despite suffering extensive physical and mental trauma, Tommy has survived although she will have a malformed skull for life as a result of her severe injuries.

After receiving medical treatment Tommy was allowed to return home to her owners under the terms of a contract which allows BC SPCA animal protection officers to make home visits at any time. The arrangement was agreed upon only after it was determined that Han, who is facing a Criminal Code charge, no longer resides in the home.

The first court appearance for the accused is set for Aug. 4. If convicted, Han faces a fine of up to $10,000, up to six months in jail and a ban on owning or taking care of animals for a period of time determined by a judge.

For more information, read our official press release.

The BC SPCA conducts close to 6,000 cruelty investigations a year and is reliant on donations from the public to carry out its work. You can help us to investigate reports of cruelty, rescue injured and neglected animals, and bring abusers to justice. Please donate today.

Photo caption: Tommy receives treatment for her injuries (top) and some much needed TLC (bottom).

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.