WIGAN MAN STEVEN CORBETT ABANDONS CATS IN SQUALID FLAT OVER CHRISTMAS

In a distressing case that has shocked the community of Wigan, Steven Corbett, born in 1997 and residing on Meadow Street, Springfield, was found guilty of neglecting his two pet cats, Snowy and Nestle, by leaving them unattended in an uninhabitable flat for a period of 12 days during the Christmas holiday season.

Corbett, who was previously living on Enid Place, Bamfurlong, Wigan, faced prosecution from the RSPCA after concerns were raised about the welfare of his cats. The charity's officers responded to a report on Christmas Day 2023, alerting them to the possibility that the animals had been abandoned. Upon arrival, the officers discovered Snowy and Nestle in a state of severe neglect within Corbett’s flat, which was described as cluttered, filthy, and hazardous.

During the initial visit, RSPCA Inspector Rachel Whalley managed to communicate with Corbett by phone. He confirmed that he had left the cats alone on December 23 and had intended to return that evening. However, a follow-up visit on December 27 revealed that Corbett had not returned as promised, leaving the animals in a dire situation.

Inspector Whalley recounted her experience feeding the cats through the letterbox, noting their frantic attempts to paw at the food sachets, indicating their extreme hunger. She expressed her concern for their welfare, especially given the apparent lack of food, water, or care over several days. Upon entering the flat, she observed that both cats were underweight and not microchipped. The environment was chaotic, with scattered empty food packets, two empty food bowls, and piles of cigarette butts surrounding the litter trays, which were covered with black plastic bags.

Further inspection revealed the presence of piles of cat feces in the bathroom, and the litter trays in the bedroom were found to be empty and covered. The cats, Snowy and Nestle, were transported to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where they received medical treatment. The vet reports indicated that Snowy weighed only 1.1kg and was covered in flea dirt, while Nestle weighed just 1.5kg. For context, a healthy adult cat typically weighs between 3.6 and 4.5 kilograms.

The veterinary assessment concluded that both cats had suffered due to neglect, with the owner failing to meet their basic needs. The report emphasized that provisions should have been made for alternative care if Corbett was unable to attend to the animals during his absence. Both cats have since been rehomed by the RSPCA, finding loving new families.

Inspector Whalley expressed her disappointment at the situation, stating, “The suffering inflicted on these skinny and terribly hungry cats was completely unnecessary and could have been easily avoided had the owner provided care for them over the festive period. The conditions they were kept in were also totally unacceptable. I’m glad that we were able to rescue Snowy and Nestle and they have now found loving forever homes.”

Corbett was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 100 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £400 in costs, £425 in legal fees, and a £114 victim surcharge, which will be deducted from his benefits. The court also imposed an indefinite ban on him keeping any animals, with no right of appeal for five years, reflecting the severity of his neglect.