local
Accused kitten killer takes plea deal, sentenced to 5 years of deferred adjudication
By Spencer Heath, Daniela Ibarra, Luis Cienfuegos, Erica Hernandez at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
An accused kitten killer was sentenced Monday to five years of deferred adjudication on two felony charges. Ryan Berlanga, 31, took the sentence as a part of a plea deal. Berlanga was seen on footage strangling a kitten to death on Nov. 9, 2025, at an apartment complex in the 7400 block of Yarrow...
Key takeaway Ryan Berlanga, 31, took the sentence as a part of a plea deal.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The sentencing of Ryan Berlanga to five years of deferred adjudication for killing a kitten raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing animal cruelty in San Antonio . Berlanga's case, which sparked widespread outrage and concern among residents, particularly on the Southwest Side where the incident occurred, highlights the importance of community involvement in reporting and preventing such crimes. The fact that Berlanga was identified and apprehended with the help of community assistance and media coverage demonstrates the value of public engagement in holding perpetrators accountable. However, the concurrent sentencing on two felony charges may not alleviate concerns among neighbors who worry that Berlanga's history of violence could pose a threat to human safety. As the city continues to grapple with issues of public safety, the Berlanga case serves as a reminder that animal cruelty can be a precursor to more severe crimes, and that a proactive approach to addressing these incidents is crucial to maintaining a safe and compassionate community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An accused kitten killer was sentenced Monday to five years of deferred adjudication on two felony charges. Ryan Berlanga, 31, took the sentence as a part of a plea deal. Berlanga was seen on footage strangling a kitten to death on Nov. 9, 2025, at an apartment complex in the 7400 block of Yarrow...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Spencer Heath, Daniela Ibarra, Luis Cienfuegos, Erica Hernandez at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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