ESTELLA BROWN AND DAVID EVANS FROM AYLESBURY CONVICTED FOR HORRIFIC CAT HOARDING AND ABUSE

Estella Victory Brown, born on April 30, and David Evans, a couple residing together on Penn Road in Aylesbury, have been found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty involving their collection of cats. The pair, who were unemployed at the time, kept a total of thirteen cats in deplorable conditions, demonstrating a blatant disregard for their welfare.

According to reports, the cats were confined within a filthy environment heavily stained with feces, reflecting the extreme neglect and squalor in which they were kept. The couple’s financial difficulties prevented them from providing basic necessities such as adequate food and veterinary care for the animals. During a visit to their property, RSPCA prosecutor Janita Patel recounted that Brown had to be restrained from throwing a cat out of the window, highlighting her volatile and aggressive behavior. The inspection revealed that the cats were in a dire state of neglect, with one black cat named Sooty suffering from a leg injury and a thin ginger cat displaying bones protruding through its fur.

The animals were fed a diet consisting mainly of bread and raw potatoes, which contributed to their underweight condition and flea infestations. The severity of their condition was such that five of the cats had to be taken to a veterinarian immediately after the inspection in May, and sadly, they were subsequently euthanized due to their poor health. Despite recognizing that they could not care for the animals properly, Evans admitted that he chose not to clean the house, fearing that Brown would become enraged if he attempted to do so. Brown, who named her pets Smokey, Ben, and Tigger, insisted she was a responsible owner and claimed to prefer cats over humans. She also stated that she had taken in some of the cats to assist friends.

During the court proceedings, Magistrate Anna Taylor addressed Brown directly, describing her actions as “reckless and grossly negligent,” and she was visibly emotional during the hearing. The court was also informed by RSPCA Inspector Jaimie Godfrey that the conditions in which the cats were kept were utterly appalling and heartbreaking to witness. Both Brown and Evans pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including failing to meet the basic needs of their animals and neglecting to protect them from pain and suffering.

In sentencing, the magistrates ordered Brown to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service, while Evans was sentenced to 180 hours. Additionally, both individuals received a five-year ban from owning animals, which expired in 2018. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of animal cruelty and neglect, and highlights the importance of animal welfare laws in protecting vulnerable creatures in the community of Aylesbury.