JASON KELLY OF LOWER STOKE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CAT ABUSE IN COVENTRY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Jason Kelly, a resident of Wyver Crescent in Coventry's Lower Stoke area, was convicted in 2016 for a brutal act of animal cruelty involving a 16-year-old tabby cat named Geri. Kelly's heinous actions involved pouring boiling water and bleach over the elderly feline, resulting in severe and potentially permanent injuries that have left Geri scarred and in pain.

According to reports, Kelly targeted Geri because she repeatedly went to the toilet in his garden, an issue that he found intolerable. His response was not only disproportionate but also cruel, as he chose to douse her with scalding water and corrosive bleach. The vet who examined Geri confirmed that the burns inflicted were deep and extremely painful, causing her significant suffering. The injuries were so severe that her fur began falling out, revealing raw, sore skin that worsened over the following days, with the burns gradually eating into her flesh.

Geri's owners noticed her disappearance one night, which was unusual for the normally well-behaved cat. The following morning, they found her in obvious distress, suffering from pain and discomfort. It was only after further examination that a veterinarian identified the injuries as burns caused by hot water and chemicals. The damage was extensive, leaving permanent scars on her body, including a notable patch on her head where part of her skull was exposed.

Inspector Louise Labram of the RSPCA described the distressing aftermath of the attack. She explained that Geri’s owners observed a marked change in her behavior since the incident. Geri, once an outdoor cat, now refuses to leave the safety of her home, becoming very clingy and following her owner around constantly. The physical injuries have also taken a toll on her mental health, leaving her visibly traumatized and less active than before.

Following his conviction, Jason Kelly received a sentence of 12 weeks in prison, along with a fine of £538.94 to cover costs. Additionally, he was banned from keeping any animals for a period of ten years, a restriction that will remain in effect until April 2026. The case has garnered significant attention in Coventry, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty. Kelly’s actions not only caused immense pain to Geri but also inflicted emotional trauma on her owners, who faced threats and intimidation from Kelly and his family after the attack. This case serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that some individuals are capable of and the ongoing efforts by authorities to protect vulnerable animals in the community.