YORKSHIRE MAN RECEIVES LIFETIME BAN AFTER NEGLECTING KITTEN WITH BROKEN LEG
A Yorkshire man who left a kitten with a badly broken leg — which was hanging and untreated — has been banned from owning animals for life.The six-month-old cat, Evie, was found crying out and unable to walk when her owner, Anthony Edwards, aged 44, acknowledged he had not sought veterinary treatment.
As a result of his neglect, she required the removal of her right hind leg but recovered completely under RSPCA care and was adopted into a new, loving home.
The case was heard at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on August 9, where RSPCA Inspector Taylor reported that he visited Edwards' home on Lapage Street, Bradford, on February 5, 2023, after concerns about the cat's wellbeing.
Edwards stated he had owned Evie since September 2022 and that she couldn't bear weight on her back right leg.
He showed the inspector a video of her attempting to walk and admitted to not consulting a vet.
The inspector observed the cat curled up, not standing, and visibly in pain.
Veterinary tests, including X-rays, confirmed a fracture or dislocation of her leg.
It was revealed that Edwards had done little to address her injury, leading to her suffering and discomfort.
He was subsequently handed a lifetime ban and ordered to pay £400 in costs after admitting guilt to animal cruelty charges.
The court highlighted that Edwards was aware or should have been aware of her injury and the need for medical attention but failed to act, causing unnecessary suffering.
After her surgery, Evie received care at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital and has since been rehomed.
Edwards, who also reportedly faces issues with drug addiction, was considered neither malicious nor vindictive, but his serious neglect justified the lifetime ban from keeping animals.
