CONVICTED (2018) | Abbi Mann, born 24/01/1982, of Romford Way, Barrow Hill, Chesterfield S43 2PU – drowned two of her three pet cats in a toilet.
Single mother Abbi Mann, who has a previous conviction for drink driving, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two domestic cats, called Max and Bob, by killing them in an inhumane manner. A third cat, Pebbles, was rescued and taken into the care of the RSPCA.
Andy Cash, for the RSPCA, told the court that on the evening of the incident a police officer and paramedics had attended Mann’s home in response to a report of a person with suicidal thoughts and noted the defendant seemed under the influence of alcohol.
Mann told the emergency services that one of her cats was struggling to breathe and that she had pushed him down into the water, adding that she had probably killed him. She claimed that the cats had been poisoned by neighbours, who had been bullying her.
A post-mortem examination revealed evidence that Max and Bob had been drowned with an expert concluding they had been forcibly restrained. One cat had bruising to his neck consistent with being held around the back of the head and pushed under water.
Mr Cash said: “This is a lady, who, for whatever reason, in moments of stress has responded entirely inappropriately and we have to be concerned for the welfare of animals in the future and that would be the overriding concern of the society.”
He added: “Two animals have died at the hands of this defendant and they must have suffered considerably.”
Mann denied causing unnecessary suffering to the two cats by killing them after the incident in July, 2017, but she was later found guilty at a trial.
The court heard she had also committed the offence while she was subject to a suspended prison sentence imposed for a motoring offence.
Defence solicitor Shirley Fitton said her client has suffered with depression, mental health and alcohol issues and she had been as upset as everybody else because she dearly loved the cats.
District Judge Andrew Davison told Mann: “It was a dreadful offence on two poor innocent, little cats. It is a sickening and cruel offence and they were drowned not by being tied in a sack and thrown in a river but they have died in your hands which is most sinister.”
Sentencing | 26 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months; Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. Total of £1,365 in costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping animals for life but can apply to have the ban lifted after eight years.
What about her kids? The crazy woman is obviously capable of anything.
Lady ??? Moments of stress ?? Like nobody else does ? Poor kids i wouldnt trust her with any living thing !!