MERIDEN, Conn. (December 18, 2025) — In Defense of Animals applauds the sentencing of Carmello Roberts who was arrested and charged with animal cruelty for brutally killing a neighbor’s cat named Noodles and boasting about the crime. 

Last February, Noodles’ guardian called the police and told them that after a night away, they couldn't find him, and that they found large amounts of what they thought was blood behind their home. Noodles’ body was found when they looked over the fence. Police retrieved his body and discovered he had suffered severe torture before being killed.

Roberts was later arrested for the crime, and it came to light that he had boasted to his friends about the brutality and severity of the violence.

In Defense of Animals sent a letter with 13,672 signatures to New Haven District State Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. urging maximum sentencing. 

On December 17, Roberts, who was charged with a Class D felony under CGS § 53-247(b) Malicious Cruelty to Animals, was sentenced by Judge Richard Rubino to five years incarceration and three years of probation. He will serve one year, and the remaining term if he violates his probation. 

“We’re pleased to see Roberts will serve time in prison for torturing and killing Noodles,” said Doll Stanley, In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner. “We encourage all courts and law enforcement officials to follow the good example set by Judge Rubino and District Attorney Doyle. When courts treat animal cruelty seriously and hold abusers accountable, they protect all members of society.”

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Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi since 1983. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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