Owner whose cat was shot in the eye loses her compensation case
A PET owner who launched a legal bid for compensation on behalf of her pedigree cat — which lost an eye in a brutal gun attack — has lost her legal case.
Maureen Newman — whose Maine Coon feline Leo was shot in the face last September — brought her case to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel last month.
At the time the Belfast Telegraph revealed that it was the first time the panel, which rules on compensation payments in cases of criminal injury, was believed to have considered a case of this kind involving a domestic pet.
The Maghera woman — who previously disclosed that she had undergone counselling for the trauma of Leo’s ordeal — said the panel’s decision had left her feeling deeply disappointed and upset.
“This is no justice whatsoever,” she said.
“I’m annoyed and aggrieved at the decision, it’s not their fault. They just thought it was a cat and that was that.
She continued: “I didn’t care about the money but in this case, my pedigree cat, my pet, is of no relevance to the courts.”
Ms Newman — who had previously estimated the cost of Leo’s veterinary treatment at £3,000£4,000 — stressed that it was indicative of how animal cruelty is not taken seriously enough in Northern Ireland.
She had previously spoken of the emotional impact of the attack, which took place at the back of her property as Leo walked along a wall.
The cat, whose full name is Leo Aston Martin Teca Newes.
man, needed extensive surgery and not only lost his right eye, but also lost part of a paw and had injuries to his left ear.
Shotgun pellet remnants also had to be removed from the cat’s body.
The pet owner said: “It is clear that the judicial system in this country as of yet does not recognise wilful cruelty to animals and
does not consider its wider consequences and impact on owners. What will it take for this to change? There’s no support out there for animal owners who have been through experiences like the one I have.”
Adding that she hasn’t ruled out seeking further legal advice privately, she continued: “My cat has no voice, pets have no voic- es. We have to speak for them.” In response, the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service (NICTS) said it does not comment on the outcome of individual cases ruled on by the panel.
Meanwhile, Victim Support NI — which Ms Newman said helped her to bring her case forward — confirmed that the appeal panel is the final part of the public process in criminal compensation cases.
“Anything further is beyond the remit of our service,” it said.
The organisation added that as its services are confidential, it could not comment on Ms Newman’s case specifically. However, it explained in a statement that it provides “appropriate support and information to all victims of crime in Northern Ireland”.
Victim Support NI also outlined that the first stage for its service users involves the submission of an application to Compensation Services, which will then make its decision.
“If the application is turned down, victims can ask for the decision to be reviewed,” it added.
“If their claim is again turned down at review stage, they are entitled to ask for an appeal.
“Our specially trained staff can help victims with all of these stages.”
It added: “If an award is granted, the victim receives that in totality, as we do not take any fees.”
❝ There’s no support for animal owners who have been through experiences like the one that I have