A NELSON woman killed a kitten by putting it in a microwave, it is claimed.

Claire Freer, 23, of Oxford Road, was charged with animal cruelty after a an RSPCA investigation found that a four-month-old cat had been microwaved to death.

The inquiry was launched after a member of the public found the dead black-and-white kitten called Cassie in a wheelie bin.

Freer, 23, denied three charges when she appeared at Reedley Magistrates Court yesterday ((THURS)).

She is accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a cat by putting in a microwave; failing to stop another person who put a cat in a microwave; and failing to seek veterinary treatment for a cat.

The offences are alleged to have occurred in March this year.

Dressed in a beige fleece, Freer spoke only to confirm her name and address, and to deny the three charges against her.

Chris Wyatt, prosecuting, told the court he expected to call five witnesses, including a vet, to prove the case against Freer.

Magistrates adjourned until October 16 for a case management hearing, which Freer is not required to attend.

However, she was told she must stay in regular contact with her solicitor so a full trial date can be set.