MICHAEL TOGNETTI FROM WOLSTON STRANGLES ELDERLY CAT IN CRUEL ACT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Wolston, Michael Tognetti, born around 1997 and residing at 82 Main Street, Wolston, Coventry CV8 3HJ, was found guilty of the heinous act of animal cruelty involving his pet cat. The incident, which took place in his own garden, involved Tognetti deliberately strangling his elderly tortoiseshell cat, Ruby, with a trouser cord, claiming he did so to 'put her out of her misery.'

According to reports, Tognetti confessed to the act during an investigation initiated after a concerned member of the public contacted the RSPCA. Inspector Helen Smith responded to the tip-off and visited Tognetti’s residence to look into the matter. During her visit, Tognetti led her to a shallow grave in his garden where Ruby’s body was buried. He explained to the inspector that he used a cord from his jogging bottoms, stating that the process took approximately 30 seconds. He justified his actions by saying that Ruby was elderly and needed to be euthanized to end her suffering.

Inspector Smith expressed her disapproval of such actions, emphasizing that anyone concerned about an animal’s welfare should seek professional veterinary advice. She highlighted that euthanasia, when performed humanely by a veterinarian, is the appropriate course of action to alleviate an animal’s pain and suffering. The veterinary examination confirmed that Ruby had died due to strangulation, aligning with Tognetti’s account.

In addition to the tragic case of Ruby, another cat belonging to Tognetti, a male named Oscar, was taken into the care of the RSPCA and has since been rehomed to a new family. The case drew significant attention from the local media, including the Rugby Advertiser.

As a result of his actions, Tognetti was sentenced to a 24-month community service order, ordered to pay £390 in costs and charges, and was issued a lifetime ban from keeping any animals. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of humane treatment of animals and the legal consequences of cruelty.