CONVICTED (2016) | Matthew Batley, born 27 November 1983, of Netherley Drive, Huddersfield HD7 6HL – left his pet cat to suffer with painful skin condition and claws penetrating his pads.
Biggins was unable to walk properly after suffering ingrown claws and bleeding from his diseased face. Police discovered the thin animal living in a totally unsuitable environment when they raided an address in Manchester Road, Linthwaite, Huddersfield HD4.
Biggins’ owner Batley was in custody at the time but gave permission for a vet to examine the cat, who said that he would have been in pain for weeks.
Kirklees magistrates found Batley guilty in his absence of charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing in his duty to ensure that its needs were met.
Andrew Davidson, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said that Biggins was neglected between July 1 and 22, 2016. Police gained access to the property and noticed the cat in the front yard.
He said: “A cannabis grow had been set up in the property and the officer described the smell and the untidiness.
“She was of the view that it was unsuitable for animals to be kept in.
“The cat was thin and clearly had a bad skin disease and was bleeding from his face.
“Its claws were so overgrown and ingrown that the cat could not walk properly.”
Vet Jeremy Cookson examined Biggins and described him as suffering from a chronic and itchy skin condition. His claws were penetrating deep into the into the pads of both front paws. They were swollen and infected and would have caused him considerable pain for a few weeks.
Batley claimed that he had sought treatment for his cat in the past but was now suffering from financial difficulties.
Sentence: 80 hours of unpaid work; £300 prosecution costs and £85 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping cats for three years (expired 2019).
I am so Thank Full that the Cat was Finally Rescued and Received the Veterinary Care it needed.