ANDREW AND DIANNE LITTLE OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE CONVICTED FOR NEGLECTING PET CAT JASPER
In a case that has shocked animal welfare advocates in Newcastle upon Tyne, Andrew Little and Dianne Little, residents of 10 Eastern Way, Blakelaw, faced serious legal consequences after neglecting their pet cat, Jasper, for an extended period of two years.The couple’s failure to seek veterinary care for Jasper’s severe eye condition, known as entropion, resulted in prolonged suffering and significant health deterioration for the animal.
Entropion is a painful condition where the eyelids turn inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea, leading to infection, inflammation, and considerable discomfort.
Despite the obvious signs of distress, the Littles neglected to provide any medical treatment for Jasper, allowing his condition to worsen over the course of two years.
This neglect was brought to light in January 2024 when RSPCA Inspector Keogh-Laws responded to a welfare concern reported at their residence.
Upon arriving at the Littles’ home, Inspector Keogh-Laws observed that Jasper’s eye condition had been left untreated for an extended period.
The inspector advised the couple to take Jasper to a veterinarian within seven days to address his suffering.
However, when the inspector returned eight days later, it was evident that no action had been taken, and Jasper’s condition remained untreated.
As a result, the police intervened, and Jasper was seized from the couple’s care.
He was subsequently taken to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment.
A veterinarian who examined Jasper provided a detailed account of the animal’s suffering.
In a witness statement, the vet explained, “The condition would have caused stress in an animal that relies on binocular vision for depth perception.
Along with the pain, the loss of vision in this eye would have caused mental strain and suffering as well.” The vet further stated, “It is my opinion that Jasper had suffered for a period of several months if not longer.
The growths themselves would not have been preventable, but the resulting injury and pain could have been avoided.
The suffering had been unnecessarily prolonged by the owner failing to provide veterinary care and treatment for the cat.” Following treatment, Jasper showed significant signs of recovery, and the RSPCA expressed their intention to find him a new, loving home.
Inspector Keogh-Laws emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, stating, “Our pets rely on us to provide them with veterinary care when they’re unwell, and it’s so important that we do this for them to keep them happy and healthy.
Poor Jasper was struggling so much with this eye condition, and I’m really happy that he has made a good recovery in our care and our fantastic team who’s been looking after him can now find him a new home.” In the courtroom, both Andrew and Dianne Little faced penalties for their neglect.
Andrew Little was ordered to pay a fine of £853, along with a victim surcharge of £341 and costs amounting to £279.
Dianne Little received a fine of £615, a victim surcharge of £246, and the same costs of £279.
Additionally, both individuals were banned from owning cats for a period of five years, a ban that will expire in June 2029.
The case highlights the critical importance of responsible pet ownership and the legal consequences of neglecting animal welfare in Newcastle upon Tyne.
