Nigerian Student to Be Deported From Canada for Throwing a Cat Against The Wall

A 23-year-old engineering student pleaded guilty Friday to animal cruelty for hurling his roommate’s kitten against the wall, leaving it so badly hurt it had to be put down.

Bassey Okokon had admitted that he did it because he was angry and annoyed with the tabby named Braveheart, which had been scratching the carpet and couch on Feb. 11, 2013.

The owner found the cat in convulsions and took it to an animal hospital but it had broken legs, head trauma and a spinal injury, the Ottawa Humane Society reported after Okokon was charged for what an inspector called an “appalling” act of “viciousness.”

“He obviously has significant anger issues,” said prosecutor David Elhadad, who argued for a suspended sentence including 12 months probation and counselling.

Defence lawyer Joseph Addelman sought a conditional discharge, meaning no criminal record after 12 months probation, community service or a charitable donation and a ban on pets. The Nigerian student has no identified problems with anger, paid the vet bills and has already made a $250 donation to the humane society.

“He is deeply remorseful,” Addelman said. “He’s ashamed that he’s transgressed the laws of his adopted country.”

Whatever the judge’s decision Nov. 26, immigration officials have made it clear Okokon could be removed from Canada.