This is a disturbing story and I feel badly for the kitten who was obviously abused and presumably tortured.  I assume this was done by a psychopath who likes sadistic things.  Those people exist and aren't all that rare, so this type of thing doesn't totally surprise me, although it's still disturbing and chilling.  However, the tone of this article and these people is absurd.  They want equality for all living things.  So, what, that means I'll be charged with murder if I swat a fly?  If a dog kills a child they'll be arrested, read their Miranda rights and be appointed an attorney?  People are stupid.  It reduces the empathy and sympathy I feel when I read a story like this.