HARRY TABERNER'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN ALTRINCHAM AND WEYMOUTH: PET CAT ATTACK SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Harry Michael Taberner, born on September 3, 1992, originally from Altrincham, has been linked to a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. With additional ties to Weymouth in Dorset and Harehills in Leeds, Taberner's name became publicly associated with a heinous act committed against a defenseless pet cat named Tulula.

On January 11, 2021, at an address in Chickerell, Weymouth, Tulula was subjected to a brutal assault by Taberner, a construction worker whose actions have been described as both vicious and sadistic. The attack left the feline with severe injuries to her head and body, including patches of fur ripped out and swelling around her anus, which raised suspicions of sexual motivation. Veterinary examinations revealed evidence of previous injuries that had healed, indicating that Tulula had endured ongoing abuse rather than a single incident. The extent of her suffering was profound, and her fate after the attack remains uncertain, as she was taken into the care of the RSPCA, and it is not yet confirmed whether she survived the ordeal.

The incident was discovered when Tulula’s owner returned home the day after the attack to find her in a state of terror. The cat was soaking wet and covered in shower gel, a detail that added to the distressing nature of the case. The owner confronted Taberner, who was known locally as 'Mike,' but he denied any involvement in harming Tulula. Shortly after the confrontation, Taberner left the owner’s residence and subsequently disappeared, making it difficult for authorities to locate him.

The RSPCA faced significant challenges in tracking down Taberner, as he frequently moved addresses and failed to appear for multiple court hearings. Despite these obstacles, law enforcement eventually succeeded in bringing him to justice. On May 27, 2023, Taberner, who was also the director of Empire Roofing and Building Ltd, previously known as Trojan Roofing with premises in Runcorn, Cheshire, was found guilty in his absence following a court session where he failed to appear. His absence did not prevent the court from delivering a verdict of guilt.

Taberner’s sentencing took place on July 18, 2023. The court described his actions as extremely serious, emphasizing the prolonged sadistic behavior involved in causing such harm to an innocent animal. As a result, he was sentenced to 20 weeks in custody, ordered to pay costs of £128, and was handed a five-year ban on owning any animals. The case has been widely covered by local media, including the Dorset Echo, highlighting the severity of the crime and the community’s outrage over the cruelty inflicted upon Tulula.