CONVICTED (2018) | Brenda Cooper, born c. 1960, of Stanley Street, Seaham SR7 0AH – failed to take cancer-stricken pet cat Ava to vet
RSPCA inspectors visited Cooper’s home and found Ava with a large infected tumour in her stomach. She had never been seen by a vet The animal was also severely underweight and sadly had to be put to sleep.
Speaking about the case RSPCA Inspector Cathy Maddison said: “When I visited the property in April this year, I found a dog and five cats.
“One cat – Ava – was in an absolutely shocking condition. [She] had a very large infected tumour on her stomach which was open and filled with pus.
“She was also extremely underweight – just skin and bone. With the owner’s consent, I rushed her to the vet.
“Sadly, due to the inoperable and cancerous tumour, Ava’s condition was so severe that to prevent her suffering any further the vet decided the kindest option was to put the poor cat to sleep, also with the consent of the owner.
“This was an awful case as there was nothing that could be done for Ava by the time the RSPCA was made aware of the situation.
“But I’m just thankful that Alfie the dog and the other cats are in our care and they too are no longer at risk of suffering.”
Sentencing:
Total of £430 in fines, costs and charges. Three-year ban on keeping animals (expired August 2021).