A pair of teenagers from London pleaded guilty to torturing and killing two kittens after one of the creatures was found hanging from a tree in Ruislip.

The police investigation of the case started when the animals were discovered on May 3, 2025. The suspects were identified as a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, who both appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court. The pair admitted to causing necessary suffering to the protected animals by "mutilating and killing" them.

Additionally, the two defendants admitted to one count of possession of a knife at Ruislip Golf Court. The court handling the case heard the kittens were discovered with ropes attached to them and that they were cut open.

The teenagers were not revealed by name to the public because of legal reasons. They appeared in the dock flanked by several security officers and only spoke to confirm their personal details, according to BBC.

Several members of the public apparently saw the teenage boy in possession of an animal carrier and "became concerned" after they later saw him and the 16-year-old girl running from the scene where the kittens were found.

During the hearing, it was revealed that authorities also found knives, blowtorches, and scissors in the area. After the animals were discovered, police appealed for information and released CCTV images of the suspects as well as a photo of a black bag that was believed to have been used to carry the kittens.

Prosecutor Valerie Benjamin also told the court that evidence from the 17-year-old boy's phone showed he previously talked about killing cats and dogs. He also apparently searched for ways of killing a human, the Independent reported.

District Judge Michael Oliver later adjourned sentencing, noting that both teenagers could be locked up for the offenses. Benjamin added that there were concerns the case was an "escalating" pattern of violence.

When the teenage boy was arrested, he said he was not "in a good space" and stopped taking his medication. On the other hand, the teenage girl said she "felt remorse and would never do it again." She added that she was somewhat interested in biology at school.

Neither of the suspects had previous convictions but there was evidence that the boy had previously mutilated animals. On the other hand, the girl was previously suspected of mutilating a pet rabbit. Her mother said she was surprised to hear about that case, noting how her daughter loved the animal, as per the Standard.