WOMAN WHO STARVED CATS TO DEATH BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS
A woman who caused the death of two cats by starvation has been banned from owning animals.RSPCA officers found one of Bernadette Gallivan’s cats dead in the bathroom sink and another caught between a set of drawers in her Bradford home.
Her emaciated Jack Russell dog was rescued after surviving by chewing its way through food packets.
The Leeds magistrates imposed a ban on Gallivan, aged 47, that prevents her from keeping animals for at least ten years.
Authorities entered her home on Carr Street in January 2022 after concerns were raised about her pets’ health.
Gallivan had moved out to stay with a friend about half a mile away and had not returned to feed her animals, despite working nearby at a café, the charity stated.
The dog, named Edie, was found confined in the kitchen, surrounded by chewed plastic, takeaway packaging, and bowls that contained no food or water.
Described as “petrified,” Edie had suffered extreme muscle loss, with her ribs, spine, and pelvic bones clearly visible.
The two cats, Bentley and Mischief, were discovered dead amidst garbage, faeces, empty cans, bottles, and dirty litter trays.
A post-mortem report revealed Bentley had ingested plastic, which the RSPCA believes he ate out of desperation.
An inspector described finding Bentley in the sink as “deeply saddening and distressing.” The charity said starvation was “highly likely” to be the cause of death for both cats.
It is thought that the animals had been without food for a “long period,” probably more than two weeks, according to the RSPCA.
Edie, who weighed only 3.9kg when rescued, was saved just in time.
After six weeks in RSPCA care, her weight increased to 6.8kg.
Gallivan, now living on Saxton Avenue, admitted in December to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering and one of neglecting her animals’ needs.
During the sentencing, Leeds Magistrates’ Court noted she was dealing with health problems during the offences.
Last Thursday, she received a community order for 12 months, which included 20 days of rehabilitation activities.
The RSPCA confirmed that Edie has made a full recovery and is now in “a lovely new home.”
