ANDREIA VIANA'S CRUELTY IN SPRUGHTON: PUPPY AND CAT SUFFER AS OWNER FACES JUSTICE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Sproughton, Ipswich, Andreia Viana, born on February 4, 1994, has been found guilty of neglecting her young pets and causing them unnecessary suffering. Viana, who resides at Chantry Park View in Sproughton, was prosecuted by the RSPCA after her actions came to light during investigations into her treatment of her animals.

Viana’s neglect was most evident in her treatment of a 14-week-old puppy named Lorde. The court heard that between July 31 and August 16, 2023, she left Lorde in an environment that was far from suitable for a young, vulnerable animal. The puppy was confined to her garden while she was away on a two-week holiday, during which she asked someone to care for him. However, the person responsible for feeding Lorde became increasingly concerned about his welfare as time went on.

When Lorde was finally removed from the property in August 2023, a veterinary examination revealed the extent of his suffering. The vet found the puppy to be significantly underweight, and the environment in which he was kept was contaminated with faeces and hazardous items, including plastic bags. The court was shown a recent image of Lorde, who was just 14 weeks old at the time of abandonment, highlighting the neglect he endured.

In addition to her neglect of Lorde, Viana faced further charges related to her treatment of her cat, Tico. The RSPCA had previously visited her residence over concerns about Tico’s welfare. It was revealed that Viana had failed to seek veterinary treatment for Tico, who was suffering from severe dental disease. The cat’s condition was so dire that he required surgery to remove all but two of his teeth. The neglect of Tico spanned from June 21, 2022, to January 19, 2023, during which time he endured unnecessary pain and suffering.

Following her guilty plea, RSPCA inspector Natalie Bartle expressed her disappointment in Viana’s actions. She emphasized the responsibility pet owners have to meet their animals’ welfare needs, stating, “Pet owners have a duty to ensure the welfare needs of their animals are met. Tico required surgery to his mouth and needed all but two of his teeth removed as a result. Sadly, in the case of Tico and Lorde, they had been failed by their owner.”

Fortunately, Tico has since been rehomed and is now in a loving new family. Lorde, who was rescued from neglect, has been placed in foster care and is currently available for adoption. Viana claimed that she could not afford veterinary treatment for Tico and insisted that she had made adequate arrangements for Lorde’s care during her holiday. However, her actions have led to a court-imposed sentence of 12 months of community service, including 15 days of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she has been disqualified from owning any animals for five years, a ban that will expire in August 2029.

Viana has lodged an appeal against her sentence, but her case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the community of Sproughton and beyond.