Police submit cat cruelty case to D.A.

-- Greg Risling

Costa Mesa police on Tuesday submitted an animal cruelty case to the

Orange County District Attorney’s office for review.

The case is that of a Costa Mesa woman who killed and cooked her cat last

week.

Tori Richards, a spokeswoman for the county prosecutor’s office, said a

final decision has yet to be made, pending further investigation.

“We have the case, but it will take more time before we come to a

decision,” she said.

The case alleges that 40-year-old Debra Kincaid of Costa Mesa killed her

1 1/2-year-old cat named Beauty and then cooked it in her oven.

A putrid smell from smoke billowing out of her Park Avenue apartment

alerted authorities. When they investigated Kincaid’s home, police found

several pieces of the cat in her sink.

Kincaid was taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation. She is also

suspected of killing or poisoning other cats found in her apartment

complex.

Animal cruelty charges carry a maximum of two years in state prison

and/or a $20,000 fine.