http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1105110.htm
Six soldiers have pleaded guilty in a Townsville court to acts of cruelty against a litter of kittens.
The Court heard the cruelty occurred at the Lavarack Base on April 10 this year and their actions were blamed on alcohol.
One of the kittens was dragged behind a motorcycle and then crushed under the wheel of a four wheel drive. Three others were set alight.
Magistrate David Glasgow said the six soldiers from the 10th Force Support Battalion had brought disgrace and dishonour to the Army and fined them $2,000 each.
They will also perform 100 hours voluntary work at the RSPCA.
Two of the soldiers also had their drivers licences suspended for six months.
Mr Glasgow did not record a conviction against the soldiers, noting that many in the community may not think the decision is strong enough.
The soldiers' defence counsel told the court alcohol was the cause of many regrettable acts within the armed forces.
Representing five of the six soldiers, Boris Kleiner said from his experience both as a former reservist and member of the regular Australian Army, that alcohol-fuelled acts of bravado and stupidity were part of the armed forces.
[If they had to do volunteer work at my shelter, I'd make them clean out the freezers and the walk-in cold room -- and make them hold any injured skunks that need to be examined/euthanized!]
FAQ 
Lavander 
: Together in Singapore 
