CONVICTED (2024) | Matthew Daly, born 24 May 1992, of Manchester Road, Southport PR9 9HG – left his pet cat in agony for two weeks, with nearly every bone in his paw broken – injury unexplained.
The cat, Buddy, had broken four out of the five metacarpal bones on his front left paw and was battling a severe untreated flea allergy when he was found on the top floor of a flat on Manchester Road, Southport, in January 2023.
His owner, Matthew Daly, who’s originally from Feltham, West London, admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet Buddy’s needs following an RSPCA investigation.
South Sefton Magistrates Court heard how RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes had gone to the property after concerns were raised about Buddy’s welfare.
He said: “I noted Buddy was underweight with his spine, ribs and pelvic bones easily palpable through the skin. He was also suffering with a skin condition and I saw that his fur was thinning down his back and rear legs. Scabs could be felt under the fur and live fleas were noted.
“Daly picked Buddy up and brought him over to me and I could see his front left paw was swollen. He said that he had been suffering with an ingrown nail.”
Daly agreed to sign over his pet, and Buddy was taken for immediate veterinary treatment, where x-rays revealed multiple fractures in his paw.
The vet said the deformed paw on the cat’s left front leg was consistent with having fractured metacarpal bones, and x-rays confirmed that four out of the five bones were broken. The fracture margins and the formation of new bone suggested the breaks were between 10 and 14 days old.
During interview, Daly said Buddy was an indoor cat who belonged to someone else, but admitted he was also responsible and helped to look after him on a daily basis. He said he didn’t think Buddy was in any pain and he would have sought treatment for him if he thought he was suffering.
Happily, Buddy went on to make a full recovery at the RSPCA’s Wirral and Chester Branch. Another cat owned by Daly was also signed over into RSPCA care, and the two were adopted together.
Speaking after the case, Inspector Joynes said: “Buddy was clearly in a suffering state and needed urgent veterinary attention. It is the legal responsibility of the owner or person responsible for their animals to look for symptoms of ill health or injury and seek prompt and appropriate veterinary care. I’m relieved that Buddy is now safe and living in a loving home.”
Sentencing | fined £162. Banned from keeping any animals for just two years (expires May 2026).
