SALEH ALI'S CRUELTY IN SOUTH SHIELDS: CAT'S SEVERE INJURIES LEAD TO CONVICTION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of South Shields, Saleh Ali, born around 2001 and residing on Coquet Avenue, was found guilty in 2024 of mistreating a defenseless feline. The incident came to light after a report of a severely injured cat prompted an investigation by the RSPCA.

On a day in May 2024, RSPCA inspector Helen Nedley arrived at Ali’s residence to look into the allegations concerning the welfare of a cat. Although the three-year-old male tabby, known as Nora, was not present at the property during the initial visit, the inspector managed to locate him nearby and successfully coaxed the frightened animal into a carrier for a thorough examination.

Inspector Nedley described the condition of Nora in her official report, noting that from a distance, the injuries were visibly severe. She observed that the cat’s face and eye area were marked by pinkness and small scabs around the eyelid, with the left eye notably less open than the right. A crater-like wound was apparent at the corner of Nora’s left eye, which was oozing discharge. The feline also bore scratches on his nose, with a small, scabby flap of skin hanging from the right side of his nose. His face appeared misshapen, and the bridge of his nose was swollen, indicating significant trauma.

Following the inspection, and with Ali’s consent, Nora was taken to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment. Neighbors of Ali claimed that Nora had been attacked by a dog prior to the RSPCA’s visit, but this account was not officially confirmed. Ali himself stated that he did not take Nora to the vet immediately after the injury because the cat was still eating, drinking, and appeared “bright in himself.”

However, photographs taken by Ali showed a different picture—Nora with both eyes closed, yellowish, cloudy discharge emanating from the injured left eye, which was also covered in bloody scratches. A small but deep wound was visible on the right side of the cat’s nose. The veterinary report confirmed that Nora’s nose was slightly swollen with skin lacerations that were red and ulcerated. The left eye was inflamed, red, and had a wound in the corner, with discharge continuing to seep from it.

The veterinarian concluded that Nora had been suffering for some time and emphasized that prompt veterinary intervention could have alleviated much of his pain and prevented the infection from worsening. The report stated, “In my opinion, this cat has been suffering and this could have been reduced had the cat been taken to a vet for treatment on the day of the injury. Pain relief and antibiotic treatment would have reduced pain and sped up recovery from infection sooner.”

Inspector Nedley expressed her concern over the prolonged suffering endured by Nora, stating, “The prolonged suffering of this poor cat could have been avoided had the owner sought veterinary treatment as soon as they realised the cat was injured. Thankfully, Nora was able to receive the necessary care and made a full recovery while in RSPCA custody.”

During the court proceedings, Ali pleaded guilty to the charges without offering any mitigation. The court sentenced him to a 12-month community order, which includes 80 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Ali was ordered to pay costs of £350 and a victim surcharge of £130. As part of his punishment, he was banned from keeping cats for five years, with the ban set to expire in December 2029.