LAKEWOOD —A Lakewood couple was scheduled to appear in court today in connection with the intentional drowning of their pet cat.
Michele Eshleman and her boyfriend, Mark Lewis, each face charges of animal cruelty and animal neglect.
They told Denver’s KCNC-TV that they couldn’t afford to euthanize the animal, and didn’t know about various options available at local animal shelters and sanctuaries.
The cat, TD, was diagnosed with a feline version of HIV a couple of years ago. Eshleman and Lewis said they recently drowned TD in a bucket of water to end its suffering.
They said they called four vets, and three were closed. The other wanted $200 for euthanasia and cremation or burial.
The Denver Dumb Friends League offers euthanasia for a $30 donation.
