The cold November air hung heavy over Twickenham Bridge, a silent witness to a horrifying act. A man, later identified as Andrew Shephard, stood poised, a cardboard box clutched in his hands – a box containing three helpless kittens.
Eyewitnesses watched in disbelief as Shephard, fueled by alcohol, deliberately threw the tiny creatures over the bridge’s edge and into the dark, unforgiving waters of the River Thames. A chilling phrase echoed in the air as he reportedly declared his desire for their demise: “Let them die, I want them to die.”
A quick-thinking member of the public managed to rescue one kitten before it plunged into the river, but the other two disappeared beneath the surface. The scene unfolded with a brutal swiftness, leaving onlookers stunned and horrified.
Shephard, 58, later confessed to the act, acknowledging the terrible nature of his actions. He claimed to have been profoundly intoxicated, battling a long-standing struggle with alcohol, and that his daughter was no longer able to care for the animals.
Appearing in court to represent himself, Shephard spoke of a blacked-out memory, a state of complete intoxication. He expressed deep remorse, stating he was haunted by the realization of what he had done, a stark departure from his usual character.
The rescued kitten found immediate care with a compassionate rescuer. The two kittens pulled from the river were rushed to a veterinary clinic, arriving in critical condition, their fate hanging in the balance.
Shephard, currently without a fixed address, awaits sentencing on February 17th, pending the completion of a pre-sentence report. The court will determine the consequences for an act that shocked a community and left a lasting mark on all who witnessed its cruelty.
