CONVICTED (2017) | Dylan Marcus Edwards, born 04/02/1967, of Plas Helyg, Llanrwst LL26 0ES – bludgeoned a tame feral cat to death at hotel
Edwards pleaded guilty to the charge of causing a cat unnecessary suffering.
The case followed the killing of a cat in the kitchen of the Royal Oak Hotel in Betws y Coed – which prompted widespread anger among the local community and on social media.
The court heard how the animal was beaten to death with a piece of wood on December 2., 2016.
Edwards, who had served as a Head Chef and Catering Manager at the hotel, was dismissed by management before court proceedings.
RSPCA inspector Phil Lewis said: “To bludgeon a cat to death in this way is a heinous crime, and it is no surprise there was such widespread condemnation to this act across North Wales.
“With no body or witnesses to the incident, this was a complex investigation, but RSPCA Cymru worked hard to ensure legal ramifications were faced for this despicable action.
“The poor cat was chased, caught and beaten, in what must have been a terrifying experience, causing unimaginable pain. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for such cruelty.”
Sentencing: 18-week prison sentence, suspended for two years; 250 hours of unpaid work; £750 in costs. Disqualified from owning any animal for four years (expired 2021).