Woman given ban for animal cruelty charge

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 19:10

A woman has been banned from owning pets after her cat died from neglect.

The cat, named Whiskers, died after being left unfed, with fleas and untreated injuries, reports Your Local Guardian.

The pet's health care giver, Joanne Elliot, was handed the five-year ban at South Western Magistrates' Court.

According to the RSPCA, the cat had not been fed for around four weeks and put the cost of the veterinary work and subsequent investigation at just over £4,000.

Andrew Wiles, the RSPCA prosecutor said: "The animal had suffered from prolonged malnutrition, most likely due to simple starvation."

The district judge decided not to transfer the RSPCA's costs to Ms Elliot owing to her limited means. Ms Elliot pleaded guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

The Animal Welfare Act of 2006 states that it is not only illegal to be cruel to an animal but that those with animals are obliged to ensure their pet's welfare requirements are met as well.

Animal Friends Insurance Services are an ethical pet insurance company. We have been supporting animal welfare charities around the world since 1999 by donating all net profits to their causes.

Posted by Elaine