CONVICTED (2024) | Ruhit Dey and Amelia Elizabeth Pike, both born c. 2001, of Winifred Street, Masbrough, Rotherham S60 1LW – inflicted a catalogue of sadistic violence on three kittens.
Dey and Pike were banned from keeping all animals for life after a court heard about a litany of abuse to their kittens.
Cats in the couple’s care suffered a variety of serious injuries including blunt force trauma, burns, broken bones and brain damage.
They were sentenced at Sheffield Magistrates Court on May 24, 2024, after pleading guilty to seven animal welfare offences following an investigation and prosecution brought by the RSPCA.
Concerns were raised to the RSPCA after a kitten called Gwen was taken to a veterinary practice in a collapsed state. Despite vets performing CPR, Gwen had sadly already passed away.
The pair claimed an interaction with their other kitten caused Gwen to inhale water and choke.
But a post mortem revealed she also had burns on her paw pads and a broken leg.
Dey had been alone with Gwen at the time but claimed he did not witness the incident.
Another kitten called Meg had previously been taken to a vet by the couple with a broken jaw and brain injuries. These injuries resulted in her suffering from seizures and she had to be put to sleep.
Dey and Pike claimed at the time these injuries were caused after she ran into a piece of furniture.
A vet confirmed the injuries to both kittens were not consistent with the stories given by the couple.
An RSPCA inspector investigated and steps were taken to remove the couple’s remaining animals for their safety while the investigation was ongoing.
A third kitten called Glen was found to have suffered multiple broken bones including a broken femur which required surgery.
Pike later admitted failing to investigate Glen’s lameness – and the pair admitted failing to protect all three kittens from injury, pain and suffering.
In sentencing, the judge spoke of “deliberate sadistic abuse which happened to more than one animal” carried out by Dey especially.
He said: “The nature of this offence leads me to conclude that neither of you can have any animals in your care or control so I impose a lifetime disqualification with 10 years termination.
A surviving kitten and another called Cosmo, that was not part of the case, were signed over to the charity and have since been rehomed.
Following the sentencing hearing, a spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “This was a very upsetting case for our inspector to investigate as it involved deliberate cruelty against very young animals. It’s completely unacceptable to treat any animal in this way and we will always look into reports of animal cruelty and, where necessary, seek justice for that animal.”
Sentencing |
Dey was sentenced to 26 weeks’ imprisonment for two of the offences with a further 12 weeks for a third offence. All will run concurrently and are suspended for 18 months; 200 hours of unpaid work; £554 in costs.
Pike was sentenced to a 12 month community order requiring 200 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation; £400 costs.
Both are banned from keeping or owning animals for life but may appeal after 10 years.
Additional Information
According to his LinkedIn profile, Ruhit Dey attended the Leigh UTC (University Technical College), which is based in Dartford, Kent.
Amelia Pike’s LinkedIn profile states that she has a degree in interior architecture and design from Sheffield Hallam University and also has an MSc in international business management. She says she is currently employed by fashion retailer Blue Vanilla and has previously worked for Greggs, Home Bargains and McDonald’s.