None of us are laughing at animal cruelty, we're laughing at the stupidity of that guy.
The device was partly made of clear plexiglass, and can't be airtight or it would not have worked for its purpose.
I love animals, I'm glad to see this idiot got fined $400 for the animal abuse, normally the punishment is far less. (I doubt this was the only time he put the cat in it, he probably got a regular kick seeing the cat through the clear sides of the bong.)
BUT people do overreact to these things. Bottom line is the cat is fine, it may not have suffered in any way at all. Of course they are attempting to seek evidence for further conviction, that's what they do, and it doesn't necessarily mean it's out of concern for the cat.
The only sign of suffering is that "It cowers in the back of its cage like it's a little bit afraid" Of course it's afraid, it's been forcibly removed from its home and owner.
I have a cat and he's the most affectionate and laid back thing in the world. But when the doorbell rings he flies upstairs to hide. He doesn't trust strangers. Imagine how he'd react if a stranger forcibly removed him and put him in a cage. I think he too would be "a little bit afraid." Does that reflect on me in any way?
(As for the Bonsai Cat thing, that was 100% wind up, no animals were hurt during the making of the spoof website.)