A West Memphis priest who trapped and drowned cats will serve no jail time following a plea bargain reached this week, according to an animal advocacy group, In Defense of Animals (IDA).
Father Charles Thessing was arrested in February for two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. IDA said Thessing “lured trusting or hungry cats into traps, ignored their terror, and maliciously submerged them in a water tank.”
The charges say he drowned two cats.
IDA said Thessing could have gotten a $10,00 fine, a year in jail, and 400 hours of community service.
Instead, he was made to pay $530 in fines and pay $2,250 in restitution to the West Memphis Animal Shelter.
“When a trusted leader commits such a loathsome crime, they must be held to a higher standard,” said IDA senior campaigner Doll Stanley. “There is no excusable reason for killing animals who could have been surrendered to a regional shelter or rescue.”
Thessing was suspended in February by the Diocese of Little Rock.
In a letter to prisoners at the time, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor called the allegation against Thessing “disturbing.”
“Having heard from numerous voices within the parish, the school and the broader community; having consulted with others; and having given this matter much prayer and consideration, I have determined that Father Thessing cannot continue serving as an effective pastor for your parishes,” Taylor wrote to parishioners in of St. Michael Church and School in West Memphis and Sacred Heart Church in Crawfordsville.
“”At the same time, I know that Father Thessing has many supporters — many whose lives he has positively impacted. He is well-loved by many for bringing them and their families closer to God. During this difficult time, I would ask every person of good will — Father Thessing’s supporters and detractors alike — to keep him, your parishes and your school in your prayers.”
IDA said of the arrest that West Memphis Police Department acted on a tip to the West Memphis Animal Shelter.
Police got a search warrant for Thessing’s house, where they found the cats and the traps.
Thessing was charged with two counts of Class D aggravated animal cruelty. He bonded out two hours after his arrest, IDA said.