SITTINGBOURNE COUPLE STEVEN AND KATE GATES CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO CAT THUNDER
| Red Rose Database
Sittingbourne Animal Abuser
Steven Gates, aged 49, and Kate Gates, aged 39, residents of Meads Avenue in Sittingbourne, have been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a beloved family cat named Thunder. The case brought to light serious concerns about animal neglect and the importance of proper veterinary care.
According to court records, the couple’s neglect resulted in Thunder suffering from a severe abscess on his head, which went untreated for an extended period. The RSPCA intervened on August 20, removing Thunder from the Gates’ residence after a thorough investigation revealed his dire condition. Veterinarians who examined Thunder determined that he was in such a critical state that euthanasia was deemed the most humane option to end his pain and suffering.
During the court proceedings, it was detailed that Thunder was found to be extremely underweight, with his ribs, hips, and backbone clearly visible. The cat had an ulceration on the right side of his head, which caused him significant pain, especially when opening his mouth. The RSPCA officer involved in the case described Thunder’s condition as being in a state of severe neglect, with the animal barely able to stand. The veterinarian confirmed that the abscess was likely caused by a cat bite, and that the neglect had persisted for at least a month, making the suffering even more tragic.
In addition to the abscess, Thunder was suffering from infections in his eyes and ears, and he was heavily infested with fleas. The court heard that Mrs. Gates claimed the cat had been a stray and only returned home approximately 12 days before the decision was made to euthanize him. However, the couple admitted that they had failed to meet Thunder’s basic needs, which constitutes a violation of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
As part of their sentencing, Steven and Kate Gates received a 15-year ban on owning or keeping any animals. They were also ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid community service each, pay fines of £200 plus a victim surcharge of £114 each, and adhere to a 12-month community order with Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days.
Deborah Rutherford, Deputy Chief Inspector of the RSPCA, emphasized the critical importance of veterinary care and highlighted the resources available to pet owners who may be struggling to care for their animals. She underscored that neglect and cruelty have serious consequences and that the welfare of animals must always be a priority in the community.
According to court records, the couple’s neglect resulted in Thunder suffering from a severe abscess on his head, which went untreated for an extended period. The RSPCA intervened on August 20, removing Thunder from the Gates’ residence after a thorough investigation revealed his dire condition. Veterinarians who examined Thunder determined that he was in such a critical state that euthanasia was deemed the most humane option to end his pain and suffering.
During the court proceedings, it was detailed that Thunder was found to be extremely underweight, with his ribs, hips, and backbone clearly visible. The cat had an ulceration on the right side of his head, which caused him significant pain, especially when opening his mouth. The RSPCA officer involved in the case described Thunder’s condition as being in a state of severe neglect, with the animal barely able to stand. The veterinarian confirmed that the abscess was likely caused by a cat bite, and that the neglect had persisted for at least a month, making the suffering even more tragic.
In addition to the abscess, Thunder was suffering from infections in his eyes and ears, and he was heavily infested with fleas. The court heard that Mrs. Gates claimed the cat had been a stray and only returned home approximately 12 days before the decision was made to euthanize him. However, the couple admitted that they had failed to meet Thunder’s basic needs, which constitutes a violation of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
As part of their sentencing, Steven and Kate Gates received a 15-year ban on owning or keeping any animals. They were also ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid community service each, pay fines of £200 plus a victim surcharge of £114 each, and adhere to a 12-month community order with Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days.
Deborah Rutherford, Deputy Chief Inspector of the RSPCA, emphasized the critical importance of veterinary care and highlighted the resources available to pet owners who may be struggling to care for their animals. She underscored that neglect and cruelty have serious consequences and that the welfare of animals must always be a priority in the community.