NationStates Jolt Archive


Another army abuse incident ... but not what you'd expect

Jeruselem
12-05-2004, 15:42
Australian soldiers fined for kitten torture

Six soldiers have pleaded guilty in a Townsville court to acts of cruelty against a litter of kittens.

The Court heard the cruelty occurred at the Lavarack Base on April 10 this year and their actions were blamed on alcohol.

One of the kittens was dragged behind a motorcycle and then crushed under the wheel of a four wheel drive. Three others were set alight.

Magistrate David Glasgow said the six soldiers from the 10th Force Support Battalion had brought disgrace and dishonour to the Army and fined them $2,000 each.

They will also perform 100 hours voluntary work at the RSPCA.

Two of the soldiers also had their drivers licences suspended for six months.

Mr Glasgow did not record a conviction against the soldiers, noting that many in the community may not think the decision is strong enough.

The soldiers' defence counsel told the court alcohol was the cause of many regrettable acts within the armed forces.

Representing five of the six soldiers, Boris Kleiner said from his experience both as a former reservist and member of the regular Australian Army, that alcohol-fuelled acts of bravado and stupidity were part of the armed forces.

FROM ABC News Australia
imported_1248B
12-05-2004, 15:58
I say that really does show their true nature :(

Surprises me they weren't kicked out of the army for sadistic acts like that.
Englaterra
12-05-2004, 16:04
:x That is absolutely disgusting. How can they say that alcohol caused them to commit these atrocities? I have been drunk a time or two and I certainly wouldn't even *think* about abusing an animal, a child, another person...

These soldiers HAVE bought shame upon the Australian Army. I think it is fitting that they have to spend time volunteering for the RSPCA, this way they can see other animals and be reminded of what low-lifes they are. It is great that two of the soldiers had their licenses suspended, driving is a privilige NOT a right. Beside the fact they were driving impaired, they used vehicles to slaughter animals? SICK! SICK! SICK! If they cannot conduct vehicle use in a proper manner then they should not have a license at all :)

It really reflects poorly on the human race and just makes me despair when I hear stories such as this. I can not remember the exact quote, but it is something along the lines of "A society can be judged upon how it treats the lowliest of its members" (it wasn't a biblical quote). Pretty much treat everyone and everything with respect even if you don't consider it's life "worthy" as yours.

~ Donna (Queen of Englaterra, lol)
Jeruselem
12-05-2004, 16:16
Errm, post no 3500.
Jeruselem
12-05-2004, 16:16
The RSPCA refused to let them do their service as well (very understandale) so they got off VERY lightly.

I don't suppose they could work in Iraq ... in a prison.