Convicted 'Cat killer' sentenced to service hours at Humane Society

An admitted cat killer was sentenced Thursday to two years probation and 100 hours of community service at a humane center.

Eric L. Ford, 45, of Tamms, Ill., pleaded guilty to felony animal abuse and received the sentence from New Madrid County Circuit Judge Fred Copeland.

On Aug. 14, 2004, Ford's ex-girlfriend was moving out of the Cape Girardeau home they had shared. Ford picked up the woman's cat, said, "This is what I think of our love," and threw the animal against a wall, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jack Koester said.

Ford had previously pleaded guilty in a deal with prosecutors last year that would give him probation. But when Mississippi County Judge David Dolan said he would not impose probation, Ford withdrew the plea.

In court Thursday, Ford pleaded guilty without such a deal, Koester said, adding prosecutors had recommended 60 days in the county jail.

According to court records, Ford was ordered to fulfill the community service hours at the Cape Girardeau Humane Society within four months.

Ford could have faced up to one year in the county jail or fours years in state prison.