IRON MOUNTAIN — A Kingsford man accused of killing a cat and its kittens pleaded not guilty May 17 in Dickinson County Circuit Court.

Robert Mosher, 54, is charged with four counts of killing or torturing an animal in the second degree, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Mosher is charged as a four-time habitual offender and could spend up to life in prison if convicted.

He waived arraignment and was not required to appear in court in person. Dickinson County Circuit Judge Christopher Ninomiya entered the not-guilty pleas on Mosher’s behalf.

According to the criminal complaint, the pet’s owner discovered the cat and kittens in Mosher’s yard in November. The decomposing cat was found near two trash bags that contained a total of three kittens, Dickinson County Sheriff’s deputies stated in the complaint.

Mosher reportedly admitted to killing the animals with a hammer and a board, the complaint stated.

Pre-trial conference is set for June 7. Bond is set at $25,000 cash, surety or 10%.