Three Helena men accused of torturing and killing about two dozen cats had their initial appearance in District Court Thursday afternoon.

Brandon Wayne Hartford, 26, Andrew Joseph Welch, 20, and Kyle K. Hallowell, 19, each face a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty.

Hartford and Welch, who both remain under custody, are set to be arraigned Oct. 2. Hallowell, who has posted $25,000 bond, will be arraigned Thursday.

The men are accused of "burning, stabbing, beating, slaughtering and torturing" cats, which they hunted in several locations in Helena, East Helena and the Helena Valley, according to court documents. At least three of the cats were allegedly burned alive during the spree, which lasted about two months before the men were arrested.

Aggravated animal cruelty carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and/or a fine not to exceed $2,500.

Hartford and Welch each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine not to exceed $50,000 for felony tampering with or fabricating of physical evidence for allegedly removing evidence from the residence where all three were living and using bleach in an attempt to remove blood stains.

Hallowell also was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of obstructing a peace officer, for which he faces a maximum of six months in jail.

Investigators say the men drove around neighborhoods during the night, stalking stray and pet cats, ultimately luring the felines into their car. They would then take the animals to one of several locations, which included construction sites, wooded areas and the house on the 2800 block of Winslow Avenue where the men had been living.

The men told detectives they had killed between 16 and 24 animals and the spree was spurred by their joint dislike of cats.

Reporter Angela Brandt: 447-4078 or angela.brandt@helenair.com