Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Welfare Alicia Bugeja Said has welcomed the court’s decision to uphold the sentence handed to the Japanese man convicted of killing cats in Sliema, saying it sends a “clear message” that cruelty towards animals will not be tolerated.In a statement, Bugeja Said expressed satisfaction that the Court of Appeal confirmed the original judgment, which saw the man sentenced to two years in prison and fined €15,000 after admitting to killing cats, resisting arrest and slightly injuring a police officer.“This decision sends a clear message. Cruelty towards animals has no place in our society and must be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” she said.The case dates back to 1st August 2025, when police arrested the 31-year-old Japanese national after linking him to an investigation into the killing of several cats in Sliema. CCTV footage allegedly showed him using cat food to lure cats before killing one of them.In addition to the prison sentence and fine, the court also banned him from keeping animals for 40 years, imposed an 18-month treatment order and issued a protection order in favour of the police officers he assaulted.Bugeja Said said she hoped the ruling would continue to raise awareness about animal cruelty and ensure those responsible face the legal consequences of their actions.Do you think this ruling sends the right message?•