A man has admitted to a shocking act of animal cruelty after throwing three kittens into the River Thames from a west London bridge.
Guilty plea in court
Andrew Shephard, 58, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 18 December 2025. The court heard how Shephard walked onto Twickenham Bridge during the afternoon of Saturday, 30 November with the kittens in a box.
Details of the incident
Prosecutors stated that Shephard "tipped them over the edge into the river". He was reportedly heard saying 'let them die' during the callous act. In court, Shephard confessed to his actions, admitting "what I did was horrible".
Ongoing case and public outrage
The case has sparked widespread condemnation and is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of animal cruelty. The incident on Twickenham Bridge is now a matter for the courts to decide an appropriate sentence. This remains a developing story as the legal process continues.
