A man who threw a cat into a bonfire will spend time in Warren County Jail.

Elijah J. Cottrell, 19, was sentenced Friday on a count of aggravated cruelty to animals to eight months to two years minus one day in jail.

“The defendant was at a bonfire when a cat rubbed against his leg,” Assistant District Attorney Casey Strickland said. “He grabbed the cat by its neck and threw it 25 feet into the fire.”

The cat sustained significant injuries.

“The commonwealth is asking for a sentence in the aggravated range,” Strickland said.

Attorney Alan Conn, representing Cottrell, said the defendant was “sorry about what he did” and that he had offered to pay for the veterinary expenses.

“I would argue that jail time wouldn’t serve any purpose,” Conn said.

“I’m very sorry for all the stress and aggravation I’ve caused,” Cottrell said before he was sentenced.

Judge Gregory Hammond said the “unprovoked” attack on the cat was “extremely concerning.”

In addition to the jail time, Hammond ordered that Cottrell undergo drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations.

Additionally, Cottrell was sentenced to pay $30.50 in restitution, $500 in fees, undergo a DNA test, have no contact with the victim, and 50 hours of community service.