1st March 2007

Cat Kicked To Death For Muddy Paws

Read more: AnimalRights Charity Cats | Comments (2)

A man who kicked and slapped his cat to death because her muddy paws frequently soiled his house was sentenced to 13 weeks in prison by Truro magistrates on Wednesday. He was also banned from keeping animals for life.

Andre Peter Cox of Trispen, Truro, Cornwall, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Bella, his one-year-old Persian Chinchilla cat, at an earlier hearing.

The court heard Cox had become increasingly violent towards his long-haired cat because she was often muddy and soiled his new carpets. Cox also said the cat got in his way when he was trying to work.

One evening in mid-June 2006 he became extremely rough with Bella while he washed her in the bath. He was annoyed that she was dirty and held her down in the water by her neck. He then slapped and kicked her until she was unable to walk on one of her back legs.

Bella became withdrawn and Cox put her in her basket, hoping she would recover. He did not call a vet. About two hours later she died.

Cox then wrapped Bella’s body in a grey long-sleeved t-shirt and threw it into Malpas River, Truro, because he thought it was a ‘peaceful place’. He said he didn’t want to bury her body in his garden because he was in the process of selling the property.

The court heard that Cox was disgusted by what he had done.

RSPCA animal collection officer Felicity Cross said, “This is an extremely shocking case – this man was brutally cruel to this cat just because he found it difficult or didn’t want to look after her anymore. I am pleased with the sentence he received – it sends out a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.

“People should think carefully before taking on an animal as it can take a lot of time and effort to take care of them. For example, long-haired cats require daily brushing to keep them clean and healthy.

“If you find you are struggling to look after your pet, you should contact the RSPCA or another pet charity and ask for help.”