Denver Man Charged With Animal Cruelty After Allegedly Stealing Hamsters

DENVER (CBS4)- A Denver man is facing animal cruelty charges after he allegedly killed hamsters he stole from a pet store.

William Riddick worked at the PetSmart on Town Center Drive in Westminster.

Riddick, 19, is accused of stealing $858 worth of hamsters from the store.

According to an arrest affidavit, Riddick pinched one of the hamsters when it bit him. That hamster had to be euthanized by a veterinarian.

He also allegedly grabbed another hamster by the leg and swung it. Five other hamsters were thrown against the wall.

He is facing cruelty to animals and theft charges.