Adelaide cat killer escapes conviction

The young owner of a cat that was shot dead has been left devastated after its killer avoided jail.

Today Kent Wilson was fined $2000 for shooting and burying the cat next door in February last year.  

Mia Sheperdson, the owner of “Spock”, a pure bred black oriental, said she was “disappointed” with the verdict.

“It was a pretty clear cut case that you know we live a few hundred metres away and a black oriental is a very distinguishable cat,” Ms Sheperdson told 9NEWS.

The 21-year-old told the court Spock’s death was the “most awful experience” of her life.

“I am now fearful of Ken (Wilson) and terrified of going near his property,” Ms Sheperdson said.

Mr Wilson told the court he believed the pure bred cat to be feral, and shot it in the head to protect native wildlife on his five-acre Adelaide Hill's property.

Mr Wilson’s lawyer said his client was a “passionate and active conservationist”.