SYLVIA AND PETER SNOEP OF GREAT HORKESLEY, COLCHESTER, SENTENCED FOR PET NEGLECT

Sylvia Snoep, born on June 27, 1955, and Peter Snoep, born on November 9, 1949, residents of Keelers Way, Great Horkesley, Colchester CO6 4EF, were convicted in 2022 of failing to seek veterinary treatment for their cat suffering from a severe lesion.

The court imposed a life ban on Peter Snoep from owning animals, which also applies to his wife, Sylvia.

Originally from Holland, the Snoeps admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by neglecting to provide medical care for their cat, Spangles, between December 1, 2021, and February 4, 2022.

Spangles, pictured prior to falling ill, had a "destructive and infiltrative lesion" on her face caused by skin cancer. During a visit in February, RSPCA inspector Jessica Bush responded to their home and immediately took Spangles to a veterinarian for urgent treatment.

Inspector Bush described her condition: “The open lesion on her face was horrific to see, with what appeared to be the missing nose, an exposed top lip and teeth, and an unbearable smell. The cat was sneezing and snuffling, seemingly struggling to breathe normally. She was also underweight and very hungry, yet had difficulty picking up dry treats when offered.”

Due to her severe condition, Spangles, who was estimated to be around 17 or 18 years old, was humanely euthanized on welfare grounds to prevent further suffering.

The veterinarian's report stated: “Spangles would have been unnecessarily suffering for a period of weeks to months. During this time, the owners would have noticed obvious changes and should have sought veterinary advice. As her condition worsened, further treatment was needed but was not provided. As a result, her owners failed to meet her needs.”

Inspector Bush remarked: “While we recognize that personal circumstances can sometimes hinder pet care, it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility to ensure animals are free from pain and discomfort. Sadly, in Spangles’ case, she was failed, leading to unnecessary suffering.”

At the court hearing, it was disclosed that health issues and other personal circumstances contributed to the difficulty in providing care, including challenges in monitoring the wandering cat.

Sentencing involved a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, along with costs and charges totaling £378 each. Additionally, both Sylvia and Peter Snoep received a lifetime ban on owning or keeping any animals.

This case was reported by Echo News and Gazette.