Nikki Bradshaw

July 3, 2008

HICKORY, N.C. -- Police have arrested a woman who reported that a bag of kittens had been thrown onto the highway nearly three weeks ago.

Hickory police charged Nikki Bradshaw with one count of resisting and delaying a police investigation, one count of filing a false police report and three counts of animal cruelty on Wednesday afternoon.

Bradshaw reported to police on June 13 that she saw a bag containing four kittens tossed from a black Cadillac Escalade onto U.S. 321. She said three of the kittens died and she rescued the survivor.

Authorities said during the investigation, they found a number of inconsistencies in the woman’s story. They said medical professionals determined the kittens’ injuries were not consistent with being thrown out of a vehicle and that they had died prior to June 13.

"She was shocked that she was charged. To my knowledge, she has no criminal background, no criminal history," said Bradshaw's lawyer Blair Cody.

Officers said they are no longer looking for a black Escalade.

The Humane Society says it's kept all donations made for the kitten. Officials say remaining money will go to help medical treatment for other animals in the shelter.

Bradshaw posted $1,500 bond and was released from jail. She will be in court on July 30.