Woman in court over cat care

A WOMAN who failed to arrange veterinary treatment for her pet cat has been handed a six-month community order.

RSPCA Cymru attended Eleanore Catherine Rhiannon Jenkins’ home on Upper High Street, Rhymney, where a number of pets were living – including a male cat named Mischief whose left eye was found to be in a “horrendous condition”, partially closed due to pus and discharge.

Officers for the animal welfare charity said Ms Jenkins, 46, had failed to arrange necessary veterinary care for Mischief.

Ms Jenkins, now of Ash Crescent, Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act – including causing unnecessary suffering – and was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, March 21.

She was given a six-month community order with 40 hours of unpaid work and a deprivation order for the cat, in addition to being ordered to pay £300 in costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Two other cats were also removed from the Tredegar property due to their condition.

Following rehabilitation and support from the RSPCA, Mischief has made a full recovery from his ordeal.

RSPCA inspector Izzi Hignell said: “Poor Mischief’s eye had been left in a horrendous condition – with pus and discharge leaving it partially closed.

“It’s shocking that proper veterinary care hadn’t been arranged for the cat – which could have ensured he avoided an unnecessary period of suffering.

“This case acts as a timely reminder as to the importance of ensuring – where required – that pets are given appropriate veterinary treatment.

“Had Mischief been given the veterinary help he so badly needed, he could have been spared such a difficult ordeal, and this prosecution would not have been necessary.”