ASHLEY PORTER SENTENCED IN OLDHAM FOR CRUELTY TO PET CAT SHADOW

Ashley Anthony Porter, born on December 3, 1991, and residing at 34 Ashworth Court, Ashworth Street, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8RA, was convicted in 2022 of deliberately pouring boiling water on his pet cat, causing severe injuries and agony.

Porter pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences when appearing before magistrates. The court was told that his seven-year-old cat, Shadow, sustained extensive scald wounds across his head, neck, shoulders, body, and legs. The injuries left Shadow unable to walk, as his affected feet were severely burned.

Porter claimed that the cat had somehow hooked its tail around a boiling kettle, which then fell onto him. However, an independent veterinary expert confirmed that evidence pointed to the injuries being caused intentionally, by pouring hot water on Shadow.

The RSPCA responded to the address on January 19, 2020, following a notification from a member of the public who reported that Shadow had been suffering from serious injuries for several days and had not received veterinary care.

When no one answered at the property, another RSPCA inspector contacted Porter by phone. Despite confirming that Shadow was injured and was in "excruciating pain," Porter refused to relinquish the cat, claiming he was making a veterinary appointment for the following day.

The next day, RSPCA inspectors Catherine Byrnes and Helen Chapman checked with Porter’s vet and discovered no appointment had been scheduled. They returned to the property, and this time Porter brought Shadow to the door and agreed to hand him over for treatment.

Inspector Byrnes described the condition of the cat: “The poor cat had extensive untreated wounds across his body, face, and ears. The wounds appeared as raw scald marks, clearly visible among his fur. The skin was sloughing off in places, with dried tissue visible on his back. Fur was falling out in clumps.”

Porter insisted that Shadow had accidentally knocked over a kettle, spilling hot water on him, and stated he lacked the funds to take Shadow to the vet. He then agreed to allow the inspectors to take his cat for treatment.

Shadow was swiftly taken to Wendy Lane Vets in Rochdale, where the full extent of his injuries was diagnosed. The vets found burns on his head, neck, right shoulder, and side of the chest. Some of his claws had fallen off due to the burns.

Inspector Byrnes recounted: “When I removed the cat from the carrier, I noticed a lot of fur was coming off and had already fallen inside the basket. The wounds were extensive, with the largest on his back and right side, some of which were hidden by his coat. There was a strong smell from the wounds, and I observed a wound behind his right ear with skin and fur falling off, along with pus underneath. We also saw a large raw burn extending from his right front leg across his chest to his left front leg. Shadow's feet and pads were burned, and he was walking cautiously and trembling. The vet noted he was missing some toenails. It was clear the cat was in significant pain.”

The vets sedated Shadow, clipped his coat to assess the injuries fully, then cleaned and treated his wounds. He was placed on a drip in an isolation unit to recover.

Fortunately, Shadow made a remarkable recovery and was adopted into a caring new home. He required amputation of the tip of one ear due to severe burns, and there were concerns he might lose an eye, but this was not necessary.

Today, he wears a special vest to prevent scratching his healing wounds but is enjoying a happy life indoors. His new owner reports that he loves to cuddle and show affection. After initial fears of men, Shadow has become more trusting and is thriving in his new environment.

Regarding the sentencing, Porter received an 18-week jail term, suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to pay £1,080 to Wendy Lane Vets, £800 in witness expenses to an RSPCA worker in West Sussex, and £260 to the RSPCA. Additionally, he was banned from owning any animals for 10 years.

This case was reported by the Manchester Evening News.