Man Accused Of Setting Cats On Fire Enters Plea

GOSHEN, NY — A Newburgh man accused of killing a kitten and a cat by burning them to death pleaded guilty June 28. Dee Jay Atkins, 55, admitted in court that he poured lighter fluid on the animals who were caught in a cage Aug. 6, 2017, set them on fire, killing them.

Atkins was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and second-degree bail jumping, which are felonies, recordonline.com said.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler said the cats did not belong to Atkins.

The bail-jumping charge was a result of Atkins failing to make a court appearance in the Newburgh City Court in connection with the case.

Hoovler’s office will recommend two years and one to 3-1/2 years in prison for the animal cruelty and bail-jumping charges, respectively, the Daily Voice said.

At the time Atkins was indicted, Hoovler said, “Killing a caged animal by setting it on fire is an unfathomable act of wanton cruelty. Anyone who would engage in such conduct deserves severe punishment.

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