CONVICTED (2019) | Arnold Dawson, born c. 1989, and Kerry Lee Dowson, born 15 September 1984, both of Armada Close, Basildon SS15 5GP – for cruelty towards a kitten who was injured six times in eight weeks
Arnold Dawson and partner Kerry Dowson admitted failing to meet the welfare needs of a black male kitten called Binx by not protecting him from recurrent injury.
The court heard Binx had been taken to the vet six times in eight weeks with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma particularly to the head.
An expert witness report found that Binx had a number of injuries and some were very severe causing large swellings to the head, fracture of the skull, a rib fracture and internal bleeding within the eyes.
The injuries to the kitten’s eyes resulted in eventual blindness.
The explanations given by Dawson and Dowson for the possible cause of injuries suffered by Binx were not consistent with their severity and the expert concluded that Binx had been subject to repeated incidents of intentional injury.
The court was also told the couple’s previous pet, a dog called Honey, had a similar pattern of unexplained injuries in her medical history which sadly resulted in Honey being put down.
Speaking after the case RSPCA Inspector Adam Jones said: “Binx was taken to a vet by the owner on six occasions over an eight week period, with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
“A deprivation order was made and Binx has now been signed over into the care of the RSPCA. We will now look to find him a new home.
“He really is the sweetest boy, despite the injuries he has suffered. He is now blind as a result of the cataracts, but this doesn’t seem to restrict him and he is still just the loveliest cat you could meet. I am certain he will make someone a wonderful addition to their family.”
Despite initially denying the charge, both Dawson and Dowson admitted one count each of failing to protect Binx from recurrent injury.
Sentencing |
Arnold Dawson – 12-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work, a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to take part in a thinking skills programme.
Kerry Dowson – 12-month community order, a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a six-month curfew.
Both were ordered to pay £600 costs and £85 victim surcharge.
Both were disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years (expires January 2029).
Such a sad thing to happen both to honey the most beautiful staffie and little kitten binx,
I reported them to the RSPCA and made a witness statement,
I will never speak to my son Arnold again,
Thank goodness for the RSPCA and the court magistrates who had to deal with this sickening case of cruelty