This sweet little kitten, named Little Heart by an animal advocate from The Patrick Movement Of Florida, died from his injuries after being brutally beaten by a 12 year old boy in Suffolk, VA. It was reported that Jamarea Mills, a 9 year old boy, intervened and saved the kitten from being stabbed to death by disarming the older boy and took the kitten to safety. Suffolk Animal Control tried to save the kitten's life, but he experienced difficulty breathing a few days after the assault. His foster mom brought him to the emergency vet where he, unfortunately, died. (See interview with his foster mom.)
A Homeless Animal Lifeline (HAL) volunteer learned of this story after reading an article on Life With Cats. She was so moved by what the kitten endured and Jamarea's efforts to save him that she set up a Facebook page, In Memory Of Little Heart, honoring Jamarea and Little Heart. Because of WTKR News Channel 3, the page was brought to Jamarea's attention. (See video.) He was shown the words of encouragement and worldwide support.
WTKR news brought Jamarea and his brother to Harbour Veterinary Clinic to visit the animals and see how a veterinary office works because Jamarea expressed an interest in becoming a veterinarian. (See video.)
A person who learned of Jamarea's story started Little Heart Animal Abuse Awareness For Kids in honor of Little Heart and Jamarea. Another person created a memorial page for Little Heart.
Jamarea's mother, Cornesia, stated that Jamarea's father is an animal lover and taught him to love animals as well. All of these people brought together because of one little kitten -- and a brave little boy. This is humane education in action.
The volunteers of HAL are very proud of Jamarea for his efforts. Although Little Heart died because of the brutal assault, he died while in a loving foster home. This is because Jamarea cared enough to take Little Heart to safety.
Rest in peace, Little Heart. We will continue to fight animal abusers and bullies in your memory. That is a promise.
*Suffolk police charged the 12 year old boy with misdemeanor animal cruelty following the incident. The boy hasn’t been identified. Suffolk city spokeswoman Debbie George says the charge could be upgraded to a felony if a necropsy determines the kitten’s death was due to the abuse. HAL will be following this story and will keep you posted on details as they emerge.
**The story has attracted widespread interest, resulting in hundreds of people expressing a desire to adopt the kitten. The Suffolk Animal Shelter currently has many kittens who are in need of good homes. We encourage those with the willingness to help the injured kitten to consider giving good homes to the remaining kittens at the shelter in honor of the kitten who didn’t survive. 757-538-3030
***HAL would like to thank Jane Kostopoulos for creating the graphic for Little Heart featured on this page. Jane also created a special memorial page for Little Heart where you could read his story and light a virtual candle in his memory.
