YOUNG BOLTON COUPLE DISQUALIFIED FROM KEEPING CATS FOR FIVE YEARS
A Bolton couple, Blane Hill, 23, and Mia Shepherdson, 21, have been disqualified from keeping cats for five years after failing to seek veterinary care for their pet cat, Buttons, who fell from a window and fractured his pelvis.
The pair initially denied owning the cat, which was found in visible pain and crying out at their flat in Georgina Court.
They appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court in a case brought by the RSPCA.
Inspector Jess Pierce reported the cat's injuries, including a dislocated and fractured pelvis, bruising, and non-weight bearing on his hind leg.
Buttons was treated at the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital but was eventually put to sleep in March 2025 due to unmanageable nerve pain.
The court sentenced Hill to a 12-month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work, and Shepherdson received a 12-month community order, ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days, and a £120 fine.
The couple had no previous convictions and the case was noted as distressing due to the injuries caused by neglect.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
ater Manchester Animal Hospital but was eventually put to sleep in March 2025 due to unmanageable nerve pain. The court sentenced Hill to a 12-month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work, and Shepherdson received a 12-month commu...
Community order
120 hours
The court sentenced Hill to a 12-month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work, and Shepherdson received a 12-month community order, ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days, and a 120 fine
