Woman pleaded guilty, jailed for animal abuse

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A Wathena, Kansas, woman will face about a year in county jail for animal abuse for causing a cat's death.

On Friday, May 30, 2025, in the circuit of Buchanan County, Missouri, Kylie Barmann was charged with a Class A misdemeanor for animal abuse and, under law, will be confined in the county jail for a term of 12 months.

Barmann pleaded guilty to the abuse and was also given credit for 75 days served.

In March, News-Press NOW reported, Barmann, 31, reportedly abused the cat at a St. Joseph residence on Jan. 20.

According to a probable cause statement, she caused the animal's death by throwing it repeatedly on a concrete floor, kicking it several times while it was on the ground and standing on its head for several seconds.