Two Ypsilanti Township boys, ages 9 and 10, have been charged with killing or torturing an animal.

The boys, who are brothers, are accused of beating a cat with a large stick and assaulting it with a butter knife.

The cat was so badly injured that it had to be euthanized, according to prosecutors.

"It's a very disturbing case, and we're deeply saddened by the suffering this cat went through and worried about the children involved as well," said Tanya Hilgendorf, executive director of the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Police said the attack occurred at a neighbor's house in Ypsilanti Township.

The cat had a broken back, was paralyzed and had severe internal injuries.

Hilgendorf said the only explanation the kids gave was "it was cool."

Two other children, both girls, were allegedly involved.

They have not been charged.