WIGAN WOMAN DONNA LAITHWAITE STARVES CATS TO DEATH IN SQUALID INCE HOME

Donna Laithwaite, a resident of Derby Street in Ince, Wigan, was found guilty in 2023 of causing unnecessary suffering to her cats through neglect and cruelty. Born around 1975, Laithwaite's actions led to the tragic death of two of her cats, while a third was left severely malnourished and in dire condition. The case came to light after the RSPCA launched an investigation into her property following a distress call from her landlord.

On October 11, 2022, animal rescue officers responded to Laithwaite’s rented home after the landlord reported discovering a dead cat within the premises. Upon arrival, inspectors, accompanied by the landlord, entered the residence and found the living conditions to be deplorable. They encountered a slim tabby and white cat in the cluttered lounge, where empty food bowls littered the floor, indicating neglect and abandonment.

The situation worsened as the officers proceeded upstairs to the bedroom, where the smell of decay was overwhelming. Inside, they found faeces strewn across the bed and in the corners of the room, with numerous empty cat food boxes scattered about. Under the bed, a mattress was found with a dead cat lying on top of it. The scene was so infested with fleas that the officer, Alison Wilford, reported being covered in fleas upon leaving the property.

Later that day, the officers returned with police assistance to remove the deceased cat and to rescue the remaining two cats. During this visit, they discovered a second dead cat within the house. The surviving cat, named Bobby, was found in a state of severe emaciation and neglect.

Attempts to contact Laithwaite were initially unsuccessful, but she eventually spoke with Ms Wilford on December 7. During their conversation, Laithwaite admitted ownership of the cats and explained that she had confined them to the bedroom to prevent fighting with another cat in the house.

Veterinary surgeon Sean Taylor provided a detailed account in his witness statement, confirming that both deceased cats were emaciated due to starvation. All three cats had been living in an environment contaminated with faeces and urine, and they were suffering from a severe flea infestation, which contributed to their deteriorating health.

Following the investigation, RSPCA inspector Deborah Beats expressed her sorrow over the case. She stated, “The death of both of these cats was entirely unnecessary and they must have suffered horribly. Not only would they have been in pain from flea and ear mite infestations, but they were forced to live in appalling, squalid conditions. Both cats would have died a slow and entirely preventable death from starvation.”

She also highlighted the plight of Bobby, the surviving cat, who was similarly emaciated and in poor health. Inspector Beats expressed hope that once Bobby completes veterinary treatment, he will be adopted into a loving family. She concluded by emphasizing her desire for Laithwaite to learn from this case and to never mistreat animals again.

In sentencing, Laithwaite received a 20-week custodial sentence suspended for a period, a fine of £750, and ordered to pay £128 in costs. Additionally, she was given a five-year ban on keeping animals, which will expire in August 2028. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in Wigan and the surrounding areas.