2011: CAT KILLER JAILED
A man identified as Nathan Kennedy, aged 22, has been sentenced to prison after he caused the death of a cat by smashing its head onto a pavement in an incident prompted by the cat biting him.The radiographer from Bromley Cross reportedly swung the cat by its hind legs onto the ground, resulting in severe head injuries.
The event was reported during a court hearing at Bolton Magistrates Court, where it was noted that the black cat was later discovered dying beneath a bush following police searches of the area, prompted by a sound described as a “droning meowing noise.” The feline died shortly after being found.
It was also revealed that the cat did not belong to Kennedy, raising questions about how he came into contact with it.
Kennedy, who resides on Lower House Walk nearby, denied involvement in causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
He was crucially identified when Angela Worthington, an office manager walking her dog along Smith Lane, observed a man about 20 yards ahead swinging his arm in a “bowling motion,” similar to a cricket bowler.
When questioned, Kennedy claimed that the cat had bitten his leg.
She recorded his car’s registration number and reported the incident to police, who then involved the RSPCA.
Despite his continued denial of killing the cat, magistrates found him guilty last week.
Yesterday, District Judge Wendy Lloyd sentenced Kennedy to 20 weeks in jail, stating, “This concerns the death of a small, defenseless animal.
The animal was killed by smashing it onto the pavement as you did, causing it considerable pain.” The case cost the RSPCA more than £3,000, though due to his imprisonment, Kennedy was not ordered to pay the costs.
The court covered veterinary bills amounting to £520, but the charity must find funds to cover other legal expenses.
Following the sentencing, RSPCA acting chief inspector Ben Strangwood expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing the act as “horrific.”
