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EDMONTON — The Edmonton Humane Society says is it saddened and concerned over reports that five teenage boys kicked a cat to death as onlookers watched in horror. 

Society head Liza Sunley says she's grateful police are taking the killing seriously and expressed sympathy for the cat's owner and those who witnessed its death.

Police said in a news release Wednesday they received reports on Oct. 9 that passersby saw the boys stomping a grey, one-year-old cat at a northeast Edmonton bus stop. 

They say it was also reported that the suspects held up the critically injured animal and took photos on their cellphones. 

One motorist tried to intervene, but the cat died of its injuries despite being taken to a vet by its owner. 

Police are investigating and are asking the public for witnesses. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2022. 

The Canadian Press