DARREN WOODHOUSE'S BARNSLEY CAT CRUELTY SCANDAL EXPOSES HORRIFIC CONDITIONS

Darren Woodhouse, born on May 4, 1983, and residing on Aireton Road in Barnsley, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty after authorities uncovered the appalling conditions in which he kept his cats, Pud and Curly Tail. The investigation revealed a disturbing level of neglect and suffering inflicted upon the animals, which were found in a state of extreme malnutrition and infestation.

Authorities from the RSPCA conducted a detailed inspection of Woodhouse's flat located in Roundwood Court, Worsbrough, Barnsley, with the address S70 6BU. The inspection uncovered a scene of utter chaos and filth, with the living environment filled with household rubbish, black bin bags, and decaying waste. The conditions were so dire that the inspector, Jack Taylor, described the scene as being heavily cluttered, with the room to the left blocked by rubbish, and a bedroom also covered in clutter, including a dirty mattress and no bedding. The floor was stained with cat faeces, particularly under the window, indicating neglect and poor hygiene.

Among the most distressing findings were the two cats, Pud and Curly Tail, both suffering from severe health issues. Pud, weighing only 3.27kg, was critically underweight, with his ribs, back, and pelvic bones clearly visible through his fur. Both cats were infested with fleas, further exacerbating their suffering. Curly Tail, weighing just 2.32kg, was similarly emaciated, with no palpable fat reserves and suffering from a severe flea allergy. The veterinarian who examined them described their environment as entirely unsuitable for housing animals, citing the absence of water bowls and the presence of a small amount of inaccessible cat food in a sealed container.

Inspector Taylor recounted that the living space was filled with sticky floors, overflowing rubbish, and debris, making it impossible to see the floor in many areas. The kitchen was particularly unsanitary, with a sink full of empty food tins and a litter tray overflowing with faeces. The cats were found in this environment, which posed a significant risk of injury and illness. The veterinarian noted that Pud and Curly Tail had been suffering for an estimated period of three to six months, with their conditions indicating prolonged neglect and suffering.

During the court proceedings, Woodhouse admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to his pets. The inspector provided a written statement describing the conditions, emphasizing that the environment was unfit for any living creature. Despite being given opportunities to improve the situation, Woodhouse failed to do so. A follow-up visit was attempted the following month, but Woodhouse did not respond, and efforts to contact him were met with voicemail. It was later confirmed that police had visited the property on September 8 to arrest him, as the situation had deteriorated further, with the kitchen now completely covered in rubbish and the litter tray overflowing.

Both cats were seized by police and taken for veterinary treatment. The veterinarian's report confirmed their dire state: Pud was severely underweight, with crusting on his skin and many live fleas, and was suffering from flea hypersensitivity, which caused him to self-traumatize his skin. Curly Tail was similarly emaciated, with no fat reserves and suffering from a severe flea allergy. The vet described the environment as totally unacceptable for housing cats or any animals, noting the absence of water and the presence of debris and unclean conditions that posed injury risks.

In mitigation, the court was informed that Woodhouse was battling a drug addiction and had since been evicted from his flat. He was now living with a family member and engaging with support services to address his issues. Inspector Taylor commented on the case, stating that the living conditions were unfit for both humans and animals. He emphasized that Woodhouse had been given multiple opportunities to rectify the situation but failed to do so, resulting in the suffering of Pud and Curly Tail. Thanks to veterinary treatment and care at the Sheffield Branch animal centre, both cats recovered well and have since been adopted into loving homes.

Woodhouse was sentenced to a 12-week prison term, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete up to 30 hours of rehabilitation activities, pay costs of £500, and was banned from keeping animals for a period of 10 years. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty in Barnsley.