SUZANNE BENNETT OF RADCLIFFE SHOCKS COMMUNITY WITH HORRIFIC CAT ATTACK IN MANCHESTER

Suzanne Wendy Bennett, born on 28 February 1973 and formerly residing on Cross Lane in Radcliffe, Manchester, has been at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty case that has left the local community in shock. The court was informed that Bennett inflicted severe injuries on her pet cat, Poppy, by stabbing her multiple times before cruelly placing her in the freezer in an attempt to end her life.

According to court proceedings, Bennett had consumed three bottles of white wine prior to the attack, which appeared to have impaired her judgment. She used a knife to carry out the assault on the defenseless feline, causing her extensive injuries. After the attack, Bennett callously disposed of Poppy by placing her inside the freezer, where she was later found by police officers responding to her distress call.

When authorities arrived at Bennett’s residence, they could hear the distressed meowing of Poppy emanating from within the freezer. Upon opening it, officers discovered the injured cat, who had sustained multiple stab wounds to her leg and neck. Poppy was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic, where she received urgent treatment. Remarkably, the veterinarian reported that Poppy made a miraculous recovery and is now under the care of the RSPCA.

Prosecutor Anna McDonald detailed the extent of Poppy’s injuries, stating that a veterinarian identified ten separate wounds resulting from the stabbing. These ranged from tiny punctures measuring just one millimeter to larger, four-centimeter punctures. The vet also expressed concern that Poppy had suffered from ongoing pain due to her injuries and that her mental well-being had been severely affected by both the physical trauma and her confinement in the freezer.

During the court hearing, McDonald revealed that Bennett admitted to turning the freezer to a high setting in an attempt to kill the cat. Bennett reportedly described her internal struggle, saying she had an 'angel side' and a 'satanic side,' with the 'angel side' urging her to seek help. Bennett, who had no prior criminal record, also disclosed in a police interview that she had been suffering from depression and hearing voices in her head for the past decade.

In her defense, Bennett’s lawyer, Jed Frazer, argued that she loved her cats deeply, describing them as if they were her children. He emphasized that she always looked after them well, often feeding them better than herself. Despite her remorse, the court sentenced Bennett to an 18-month community order, including a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement. She was also ordered to pay fines and costs totaling £495. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping any animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in July 2026.

This case has sparked widespread outrage in Radcliffe and beyond, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and mental health support in the community.