Utah couple are arrested after being found slumped over in their car as their six-week-old kitten was left in feces-filled, duct-taped sandwich container with meth in her system

A Utah couple is accused of torturing a six-week-old kitten who was found in a plastic sandwich container with methamphetamine in her system.

Justin Dale Epperson, 45, and Emily Maureen Allred, 41, were arrested early Monday morning in Cottonwood Heights, about 15 miles from Salt Lake City.

According to an affidavit, police found the duo slumped in a vehicle illegally camping in the city.

Epperson and Allred were allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The couple was covered in cat fur and a faint meow came from the car.

Cottonwood Heights Police Sergeant Gary Young said the Siamese kitten was stuffed into a bread bin in the backseat.

Epperson and Allred (pictured) were charged with torture of a companion animal, possession of a controlled substance and use or possession of drug paraphernalia

Police discovered a small Siamese kitten duct-taped in a bread bin in the backseat. Only her head was visible and the rest of her body was covered in feces

Only her head was sticking out, while the rest of her body was duct taped on the inside and covered in feces.

The kitten “was in very poor health,” court documents say. She was taken to Angel Paws Veterinary Services in critical but stable condition. There the staff called her Athena.

She weighed just over a pound and was estimated to be about six weeks old.

Upon admission to the clinic, Athena was treated for head trauma, singed fur, bruising on her temple and eye damage.

“According to preliminary results, she also tested positive for meth and amphetamine,” the clinic said in a statement.

As of Tuesday, she was no longer requiring oxygen while continuing to receive fluid support and pain medication.

Although she is no longer averse to people, the clinic says she may suffer from long-term drug exposure and head trauma. There is also a chance of partial or complete vision loss in her right eye.

However, this is what medical director Jessica Love says KTVX that the kitten had made a 'remarkable recovery'.

“She's doing much better,” Love said, adding that Athena showed no signs of intoxication despite the exposure.

The kitten was taken to Angel Paws Veterinary Services and named Athena by medical staff. She weighed just over a pound and tested positive for amphetamine and meth

Police describe Epperson and Allred as “repeat offenders” with a history of drug-related crimes

Allred faced several other vehicle-related charges, including driving with a denied license and speeding. The duo were released a day after their arrest

The clinic posted an update video on Facebook showing the kitten hitting a soft toy. She is expected to recover, although she may face long-term effects from drug exposure and head trauma, and may lose vision in her right eye.

Animal cruelty becomes a third-degree crime in Utah if the accused “knowingly or intentionally” tortures a companion animal, that is, a domesticated dog or cat (Photo: An image posted to Epperson's Instagram account in 2020)

The clinic posted an update video on Facebook showing the little kitten thrashing around a soft toy.

“It's been a whirlwind week for us at Angel Paws!” read the caption. “Thank you to everyone who supported our warrior Athena!”

It continued: “Dr. Love has given permission for Athena to be transferred to a veterinary technician for rehabilitation and for the duration of the ongoing criminal investigation into her injuries.”

The kitten's adoption is pending her recovery and investigation, the clinic said.

Epperson and Allred were released Tuesday. They were charged with torture of a companion animal, possession of a controlled substance and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.

According to police, the duo has a history of drug-related crimes.

“They are repeat offenders and this time they show no respect for life by torturing a pet,” the affidavit said.

Allred was also charged with speeding, driving with a denied license and no proof of insurance, among other vehicle-related charges.

An image posted to Epperston's Instagram account in April 2020 reads: “Everything I want to do is illegal.”

Animal cruelty becomes a third-degree crime in Utah if the suspect “intentionally or knowingly tortures a companion animal,” that is, a domesticated dog or cat.

These crimes are punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.