A mother-of-three who killed a kitten in a microwave in revenge for its owner reporting her abusive partner to police has been jailed for 168 days.
Magistrates told Gina Robins, 31, her offending was so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
Robins put the 10-week-old pet in the microwave after using the oven to warm food for her 18-month-old son Oliver.
She carried out the sickening attack on the cat while at the home of its owner Sarah Knutton - days after her then friend had reported an incident to police involving Robins' partner outside the same house.
Robins, of Salisbury Avenue, Torquay, Devon, had denied a single charge of animal cruelty but was convicted following a trial last month.
It was standing room only in courtroom one at Torquay Magistrates' Court as members of Robins' family, Miss Knutton's family and cat lovers watched proceedings.
Liz Clyne, chairwoman of the bench, told the defendant: "Miss Robins you have been convicted of one count of animal cruelty which resulted in the suffering and the death of a 10-week-old kitten.
"We have seen little remorse for the death of the kitten or the trauma caused to your former friend Miss Knutton.
"We have taken into account that you have no previous convictions. Nevertheless we are sending you to prison for a total of 168 days. You will be disqualified from keeping animals for a period of 10 years."
Robins, who wore a red cardigan, blue top and glasses, showed no emotion as she was led away to start her sentence by two dock officers.