Two teenage girls are facing animal cruelty charges after posting a video online of a kitten being placed into a microwave.
The 15-year-old girls giggled as they turned on the microwave and watched the kitten struggle. The eight-week-old kitten survived, but Maine authorities are taking the crime very seriously, according to the Boston Herald.
"South Portland police began investigating after getting numerous tips when a roughly 10-second video of their actions showed up on Twitter last week," the Herald reports.
Authorities confirmed both girls attend South Portland High School, but did not release their names because they are minors.
Police officials have not confirmed how long the kitten was in the microwave, but the owners reportedly gave their pet over the to Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. The shelter published the following statement on their Facebook:
"Well wishes are coming in from all over the world to support our little kitten Miracle! Thank you for your support. The important thing is to focus on what we and other animal rescue organizations are trying to do.....give deserving animals a loving home. If this story leaves you upset and frustrated, please think about supporting your local shelter by adopting, attending events and donating. Animals like Miracle need us. She is doing great by the way!"
The animal shelter is looking for a new home for the kitten they have renamed Miracle. The shelter posted photos of the kitten, sharing Miracle's story with their followers and received a strong response.
"This story upset me so much I cried for hours. Of course I couldn't listen to the entire news story so didn't know that kitty was ok," Colleen KG posted on the shelter's Facebook. "Thank you for your wonderful mission and it's a good reminder to keep the positives in mind. Internet sites like cat in a microwave and others that taunt people and torture animals for shock value need to be shut down immediately and the administrators need to face stiff fines and jail time."
WARNING: The following videos contains upsetting images. Viewer discretion is advised.
