ASHLEY PORTER FROM OLDHAM SENTENCED AFTER HORRIFIC CAT BURNS IN SHAW
In January 2020, a disturbing incident unfolded in Shaw, Oldham, where a man named Ashley Porter deliberately inflicted severe injuries on his pet cat, Shadow, causing him excruciating pain and extensive burns.The case came to light after concerns were raised by a member of the public who noticed Shadow suffering from serious injuries over several days without receiving veterinary care.
On January 19, 2020, the RSPCA responded to a call from Porter’s residence in Shaw after attempts to contact him at his home were unsuccessful.
Despite confirming that Shadow was injured and in severe distress, Porter refused to surrender the cat when approached by inspectors, claiming he would take Shadow to the vet the following day.
However, when the RSPCA checked with his veterinarian the next day, they discovered no appointment had been scheduled, prompting a second visit to Porter’s home.
This time, Porter handed over Shadow, who was visibly suffering from extensive injuries.
Inspector Catherine Byrne described the condition of the cat: Shadow had raw, scald-like wounds covering his head, neck, right shoulder, and chest, with some areas of skin sloughing off and fur falling in clumps.
The injuries were so severe that some claws had fallen off, and the wounds emitted a strong, foul smell.
Byrne noted that the injuries appeared to be caused by hot water being deliberately poured onto the cat, contradicting Porter’s initial claim that Shadow had knocked over a kettle.
Shadow was immediately taken to Wendy Lane Vets in Rochdale for urgent treatment.
The veterinary examination revealed the full extent of his injuries, including a large wound on his back and side, a raw scald wound extending from his right front leg across his chest, and damage to his feet and paw pads.
The vet observed that Shadow was walking cautiously, trembling, and missing some toenails, all indicative of the severe pain he was enduring.
The vet also noted that the wounds were infected with pus, and the fur was falling out in patches.
Following treatment, Shadow’s wounds were cleaned, and he was placed on a drip in an isolated recovery area.
His injuries necessitated the amputation of the tip of one ear, which had been severely burnt, and he was fitted with a vest to prevent him from scratching his healing wounds.
Fortunately, Shadow has since made a full recovery and has been adopted into a caring home, where he is now safe and loved.
Porter, residing on Ashworth Street in Shaw, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on August 23.
As part of his sentence, he was banned from keeping any animals for a period of ten years.
Additionally, he received an 18-week jail sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, along with a fine of £260 and an order to pay £260 in costs.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the cruelty inflicted upon Shadow and highlights the ongoing efforts of animal welfare organizations to protect vulnerable animals from abuse.
