TRISTIAN PEARSON SENTENCED IN CARDIFF FOR POISONING NEIGHBOURS' CATS IN BARGOED

Tristian Paul Pearson, born on April 2, 1978, and residing at 69 West Street, Bargoed CF81 8SA, was convicted in 2022 for deliberately poisoning two cats belonging to his neighbors.

Pearson admitted to causing two cats, Luna and Bailey, to ingest ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance for felines. The poisonings occurred in early September 2021. Veterinary reports presented to the court confirmed that both cats’ kidney tubules matched ethylene glycol poisoning.

The affected cats belonged to a father and daughter living in separate houses near Pearson’s residence. The owner of Bailey, a Persian cat, reported that Bailey became unwell on September 3 and appeared weak and unsteady. He was scheduled for a vet visit but died before he could be examined.

On September 7, Luna, a female domestic short hair, was seen wobbling on her back legs. Her condition worsened, with a high heart rate and twitching muscles. Veterinary tests confirmed Luna suffered from kidney failure, leading to her being euthanized to prevent further suffering.

After the pets’ deaths, the owners searched their neighbor’s garden and discovered two pots—one containing a bright blue liquid, and another with a meat-based food mix. These items were collected and handed over to the RSPCA. Tests revealed that some of the meat mixture was also found in Luna’s owner’s garden.

Subsequent analysis confirmed the substances in the pots contained high levels of ethylene glycol, one of which appeared mixed with tuna fish. An expert veterinary report concluded it was “very highly likely that this was the source of ethylene glycol that caused the death of Luna and Bailey.” The report explained that “effects of ethylene glycol poisoning cause a cat to suffer via dehydration with subsequent headaches, nausea, disorientation, weakness and collapse.”

Tubs containing ethylene glycol poison were found at the bottom of Pearson’s garden. Following the investigation, RSPCA inspector Simon Evans stated: “These poor cats were deliberately tempted into digesting a substance that is incredibly dangerous for cats and ultimately proved fatal to them both.

One cat died before being taken to the vet, while the other had to be euthanized to prevent suffering. Vets documented the clear damage caused by the ethylene glycol.

The two dishes found in Pearson’s garden contained high concentrations of the toxin, and he admitted in court to causing them to consume it, leading to unnecessary suffering. Inspector Evans added, “We hope this shocking case sends a clear message to anyone considering harming cats in this way – this is illegal, wrong, and will not be tolerated.”

The case was initially heard at Cwmbran Magistrates Court, where Pearson pleaded guilty. He was then transferred to Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing. This case is believed to be the first under the new Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, emphasizing the severity of such offenses.

In sentencing, Pearson received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with 150 hours of unpaid work and a £2,000 fine. He is also disqualified from keeping all animals for five years but may appeal after four years.