CONVICTED (2024) | Andrew Little and Dianne Little of 10 Eastern Way, Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3HT – left their pet cat to suffer with a painful eye condition for two years.
The Littles admitted causing unnecessary suffering to their cat, Jasper, by failing to provide him with veterinary treatment for entropion, which causes eyelids to turn inwards with resulting infection, inflammation and pain.
RSCPA Inspector Keogh-Laws was called to the couple’s home in January 2024 after receiving a report of concern about their cat’s welfare. It was evident that Jasper’s condition hadn’t been treated for two years. The couple were advised to take him to a vet within seven days.
When the inspector returned eight days later, the cat had not been given any treatment. Consequently, police attended and Jasper was placed into the RSPCA’s care and taken to a vet.
In a witness statement, the vet who treated Jasper said: “[The condition] would have caused stress in an animal that relies on binocular vision for depth perception. Along with the pain the loss of vision in this eye would have caused mental strain and suffering as well.”
They added: “It is my opinion that Jasper had suffered for a period of several months if not longer. The growths themselves would not have been preventable but the resulting injury and pain could have been avoided. The suffering had been unnecessarily prolonged by the owner failing to provide veterinary care and treatment for the cat.”
The RSPCA said Jasper had made a strong recovery and the charity would now look to re-home him.
Inspector Keogh-Laws said: “Our pets rely on us to provide them with veterinary care when they’re unwell, and it’s so important that we do this for them to keep them happy and healthy.
“Poor Jasper was struggling so much with this eye condition, and I’m really happy that he has made a good recovery in our care and our fantastic team who’s been looking after him can now find him a new home.”
Sentencing |
Andrew Little was told to pay an £853 fine, £341 victim surcharge and costs of £279. Dianne Little was fined £615, and told to pay a £246 victim surcharge and costs of £279. Both are banned from owning cats for five years (expires June 2029).