It's the little things...

A couple of months ago, people were horrified by Labour MP John Tamihere's callous neglect of his pet cats, when he abandoned them during a move. But now it seems National also has a cat-beater faction. The "off the record" column in today's Sunday Star-Times recounts the following story:

National MP Brian Connell, asked in an interview whether he was "a cat or a dog person", responded with a surprising rant about how he hated cats so much that he once threw one across a room and into a fireplace. Noticing the startled looks this anecdote produced, he added that the fire was not lit.

There are a number of words with which to describe someone who would do this, but I think "sadistic arsehole" about sums it up. And if you live in Rakaia, and you love your cat, I'd advise not voting for the prick.