ANDREA IMPEY'S CRUELTY IN ARBURY: CAMBRIDGE CAT ABUSE CASE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Andrea Louise Impey, also known as Andrea Brown, was born on February 25, 1981, and resides at 38 Nicholson Way in Cambridge, with her address in the CB4 2RR postal code. Her case has garnered significant attention after it was revealed that she deliberately neglected her pet cats, Tigger and Fluffy, leading to their tragic and prolonged deaths.

According to court proceedings, Impey intentionally deprived her cats of food and water, allowing them to suffer a slow and agonizing demise. The cats, which she had owned since they were kittens in 2004, were found in a state of extreme emaciation. Post-mortem examinations confirmed that both animals weighed just over 2 kilograms each, with their ribs, spines, and pelvic bones prominently visible. Their stomachs and intestines were found to be empty, and both cats were infested with fleas, indicating severe neglect and suffering.

The RSPCA intervened when they discovered Impey attempting to dispose of the two emaciated animals in a bin bag outside her former residence on Ekin Road in Cambridge. The animals had been found curled up together, dead, under a table in her living room. When questioned by RSPCA officials, Impey admitted that she had owned the cats for many years but had been unable to afford their upkeep. She explained that she left them to die while she and her boyfriend traveled to Wales, revealing a disturbing attitude towards her pets.

In an interview with the RSPCA, Impey justified her actions by stating, “Stubbornness,” when asked why she had not sought help for the cats. She also previously admitted that her hope was for the animals to die so she would no longer be burdened by their care. Her actions have been described by RSPCA inspector Chris Nice as causing “extreme suffering” to the animals.

During the court hearing, defense lawyer Jim Dignan argued that Impey was remorseful and had suffered as a result of the prosecution. He highlighted that the case had attracted both local and national media coverage, leading to a backlash against her, including anonymous letters, social media abuse, and personal confrontations from acquaintances.

Following her sentencing, Inspector Nice expressed his dismay, stating, “It was her intention, and frankly a shameful one, that these animals should die. Once more, a person’s failure to take responsibility for their animals has resulted in extreme suffering. I hope that the disqualification will mean that she does not come to our attention again. However, a longer period would have made this more certain.”

Impey was sentenced to an 18-month community order, ordered to pay costs of £200, and received a five-year ban on keeping animals, which expired in 2016. Her case remains a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty in the Cambridge area, particularly in the Arbury community where she resides.