WOMAN BANNED FROM OWNING ANIMALS AFTER ABANDONING STARVING PETS IN HOUSE FOR 'WEEKS'
A woman has received a 12-year ban from owning animals after the RSPCA uncovered a disturbing scene involving her abandoned pets, including one cat found eating another's body.Leanne McConnell, aged 31, had left two cats, named 'Fat S***' and 'Tilly', in her home for such an extended period that one of them died due to dehydration and starvation.
In 2021, the remaining cat and a dog, called 'Chunks', were discovered in a state of emaciation and distress within her residence located in Norris Green.
A veterinarian confirmed that neglect caused their suffering, citing insufficient access to food and water during McConnell's absence.
During a visit prompted by concerns over the animals’ welfare, RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes, accompanied by police, found the home in disarray with rubbish and animal faeces, and a strong urine odor.
He encountered a gruesome sight: one of McConnell’s cats in an unclean downstairs bathroom, actively feeding on the carcass of the deceased cat.
The other cat, which McConnell had named 'Fat S***', was described as having a matted coat and protruding bones, showing signs of severe neglect.
Inspector Joynes noted that the surviving cat was visibly distressed, with a skin tent indicating dehydration, and was actively eating the body of another cat.
Veterinarian Vanessa Whitfield explained that the most likely cause of death was malnutrition or starvation, although internal disease could not be completely ruled out.
She added that the animals had suffered due to lack of clean, accessible water, resulting in dehydration and contributing to the death of one cat.
McConnell pleaded guilty to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals and one charge of failing to meet their basic needs in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court earlier this year.
At that hearing, it was revealed she was experiencing mental health issues at the time of abandonment, leading her case to be transferred to the Complex Case Court for sentencing.
Now residing at Andrew Street, Walton, McConnell was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for a year, along with a 12-year ban on owning animals.
Additionally, she was ordered to pay a £200 fine, £400 in court costs, and £447 in RSPCA medical expenses.
