A BOY clubbed a kitten around the head and killed it because he doesn't like cats.

The 15-year-old from Walcot, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted cruelly treating a cat.

Swindon magistrates heard he showed no remorse and appeared to find it funny.

He coaxed the kitten and struck it over the head with with a piece of wood that was 18 inches long and two by two inches in diameter.

Two 17-year-old girls who witnessed the attack were said to be very distressed.

Rob Welling, prosecuting, said: "The cat sank to the floor and appeared to be unconscious, and the RSPCA was called.

"The cat died two days later as a result of breathing difficulties and was put down to prevent any further suffering."

Mr Welling said that it was clear that having been challenged about his behaviour by members of the public the boy showed no remorse.

"He was defiant, abusive and seemed to find it funny," he said.

"In interview he told police that he didn't like cats and the cat was in an alleyway and was in his way."

The court heard that the boy had claimed he had simply kicked the cat.

But Mr Welling said: "This is not accepted by the prosecution. We say it was deliberate cruelty caused to a cat."

The court heard that the boy had consistently failed to attend a previously imposed supervision order following the attack on August 26 because he "didn't see the point," Mr Welling said.

Mr Welling added: "He seems not to care what happens to him."

The boy frowned as the case against him was put.

His defence solicitor simply confirmed that the facts presented were correct.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing for the Swindon Youth Offending Team to prepare a report.

They released the boy on unconditional bail until Friday, when they said they would consider all options, including custody.

RSPCA spokeswoman Lucy Clark said: "We deplore the callous and cruel nature of this boy's actions.

"Animal cruelty of any kind is unacceptable but when it is of a deliberate nature, carried out by someone so young, it is all the more upsetting.

"The RSPCA has a wide-ranging education programme and works with schools year round to engender responsible and caring attitudes towards animals in young people.

"We view this particular case extremely seriously and hope that magistrates will take the appropriate action."