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Judge Sentences Santa Rosa Mother-Son Cat Stranglers

SANTA ROSA (CBS/AP) — A mother and son who strangled their cat after a night of drinking have apologized to the court.

The Press Democrat reports that 50-year-old Lori Craft and 23-year-old Christopher Craft told a judge Tuesday that what they did was wrong.

Prosecutors say Christopher Craft choked the cat with its own leash while his mother prevented roommates from intervening. They say the cat fought back but died after a six-minute struggle.

Court documents say Craft told police he killed his pet of 10 years because it urinated in the house and because it was a hassle to pay for food.

The son was sentenced to three years' probation, 400 hours of community service and is barred from owning a pet while on probation.

The mother's charge was downgraded because of her limited involvement.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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