Cat Abused By Custodian May Have Home With NK State Rep

An 8-month-old kitten that stole headlines earlier this week in the northern part of the state after a custodian reportedly kicked it across a school yard may already have a home. Just days after reading about the alleged case of cruelty, State Rep. Doreen Costa (R- District 31, Exeter and North Kingstown) made her way over to the Pawtucket Animal Shelter to file adoption papers.

"I never go to the pound. My heart breaks whenever I leave there," said Costa, who is a noted animal lover. "Something told me to go check on this little one."

Earlier this week, news outlets reported that 48-year-old Jeffrey Doyle – a custodian for Central Falls schools – was seen kicking a cat repeatedly over an area of nearly 100 feet of school grounds. When animal control arrived, the cat was "huddled over a mound of snow and barely breathing." Though the cat – believed to be about eight to nine months old – sustained life-threatening injuries according to The Valley Breeze, she received care at Pawtucket Animal Shelter and is now in stable condition.

Though the kitten is recovering from her injuries, Costa said the feline made her way up to the edge of the cage to get a pet from the state representative and starting purring instantly. Costa says she plans to return to the shelter Sunday to see how she interacts with the cat and how it's behaving post-abuse and post-recovery.

If all goes well Sunday, Costa will be taking the kitten to her home on Dyer Avenue where the little feline will be greeted by Costa's two Shih Tzus, two cats and two goats. As for what she'll name the kitten, Costa says she'll wait until she gets to know the cat's personality.

Doyle, accused of abusing the cat, now faces felony charges of malicious injury to animals. He was released on personal recognizance and will appear in court on March. 27.