CHICAGO, March 24 (UPI) -- An Illinois man has avoided a jail sentence for killing his brother's cat after he found out his brother was having an affair with his fiance, officials said.
Sean Mulcahy, 31, said he was drunk and distraught when he slit the throat of his brother's cat, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.
Mulcahy pleaded guilty to a felony animal cruelty charge Wednesday and told Will County Judge Edward Burmila he was sorry for his actions.
After the incident on August 5, 2010, Mulcahy texted a photo of the cat and the message "this is what you did to me" to his brother, Ryan.
Mulcahy said Wednesday his emotions over finding out his brother was having an affair with his fiance cost him his home and job. "It was definitely fueled by out-of-control emotions as well as alcohol," Mulcahy told the judge. "I am deeply sorry, sir."
Prosecutors had sought a 90-day jail sentence and said they were concerned by Mulcahy's "anger and violence."
Burmila said it was "particularly shocking someone would take out their anger in this regard."
The Chicago Sun-Times said Mulcahy was sharing a home with his brother in Homer Glen when the incident occurred.
Burmila sentenced Mulcahy to 30 months of probation and 150 hours of community service and banned him from having a pet or possessing any weapons while on probation.
