CONVICTED (2015) | Abigail Clemson, born 14/01/1994, of Astoria Close, Willenhall WV12 5XP and Thomas Webster, born 13/02/1994, of Arps Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton WV8 1SH – left a cat trapped in an empty flat with no food or water
The one-year-old black cat was found collapsed and covered in faeces and urine when an RSPCA inspector called at Abigail Clemson’s former apartment.
An examination by a vet showed the animal, who had not been named by the pair, had been suffering for ‘several weeks’.
The creature weighed just over 2lb, or 1kg, and was in such a collapsed state that he had to be put down to prevent further suffering.
Magistrates heard how the cat had been left at Clemson’s former home while she was spending more time at partner Thomas Webster’s home in Codsall.
Both Webster and Clemson were convicted of causing unnecessary suffering.
RSPCA inspector Kate Levesley, who investigated the case, said: “The sight of the cat collapsed behind the door still haunts me.
The couple had told RSPCA staff in interview that they had found the cat as a stray and taken the animal in after taking pity on him.
Ms Levesley said: “This was Clemson’s flat but they started spending more time at Webster’s place in Wolverhampton.
“Soon they were not going back to her flat at all. How long they thought the kitten could go without food, I don’t know.
“There is absolutely no excuse for something like this to happen. The cat would have suffered a lot and was in such a bad way that he very sadly did not survive.
“This is such a sad case and one which has stayed with me. It is important for people to remember that it takes less time for an animal to become starved or dehydrated than they might realise.
“Some people are naive and do not realise that it does not take long for an animal to get into this state. This is an important message that we want to get across.”
The cases were heard separately after they entered different pleas to one count of causing unnecessary suffering to the cat. Clemson pleaded guilty to the offence while Webster was found guilty following a trial in October 2015.
Sentencing:
Webster – 12-month community order; £510 costs.
Clemson – 12-month community order; £560 costs.
Both were banned from keeping animals for 15 years (expires December 2030).
Another Mentally Disturbed Scum Pair.
At the very least they could have left the Cat Dry Food and Water and A Litter Tray. They won’t have no luck for what they have done.