Clayton gets 10 days for filming cat abuse

A man who filmed a teenager abusing a cat will serve 10 days behind bars for helping contribute to the youth’s delinquency.

The defendant, Terry Clayton, was ordered by Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley to serve 10 days of an 11-month, 29-day sentence on charges of animal cruelty and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He must also pay $250 to the Humane Society and $250 to the Economic Crimes Fund.

Prosecutors say it was Clayton who made a video recording of 17-year-old Mark Tidenburg beating and kicking a cat, in what was apparently a premeditated plan to capture animal cruelty on video.

‘It was obvious from watching it that it was planned and they thought it was funny,’ said General Sessions Judge Larry Ross, who was so repulsed by the video that he sent Tidenburg to juvenile confinement for his role, given the fact the youth was already on probation for other juvenile delinquent acts. ‘It just boggles the mind.’

Tidenburg was charged after video of his conduct was obtained by prosecutors, showing him beating, kicking and throwing a cat. The video, which was reportedly filmed by Clayton who can be heard talking, shows Tidenburg clutching the cat and beating it with his fists before throwing it to the ground and kicking it. Sounds of the cat hitting the ground can be heard.

It was following the commitment of Tidenburg to juvenile custody that Ross suggested the videographer of the crime also be held accountable. Clayton was indicted in a sealed presentment shortly after the judge suggested the operator of the camera should also be prosecuted.