ISAAC FIHOSY'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN CHATHAM LEADS TO COURT SENTENCE

Isaac Adebayo Fihosy, a resident of High Street in Chatham, was convicted in 2021 for severe neglect and cruelty towards four cats under his care. The investigation into his treatment of these animals revealed a disturbing pattern of abandonment and suffering that drew the attention of animal welfare authorities.

It all began in August 2019 when RSPCA Inspector Deborah Rutherford responded to a distress call concerning a dead kitten and other cats with matted fur and visible bones at a property located on Rosebery Road in Gillingham. During her inspection, Fihosy claimed to be a live-in landlord and alleged that his tenant had killed a kitten, which led him to lock the remaining cats outside for their protection. However, the inspector’s findings painted a far grimmer picture.

Inspector Rutherford discovered two dog crates in the garden, each containing bowls and some form of cover, but the conditions inside were appalling. Bricks were placed on top of the crates, and inside, kittens were found living amidst their own feces in litter trays that were overflowing. The scene was indicative of neglect and poor animal husbandry.

One of the cats, Midnight, a black female, was brought to the PDSA pet hospital in Gillingham for examination on August 8, 2019. She had given birth three months earlier but was severely underweight, covered in fleas, and suffering from diarrhea and scalding injuries on her back. The veterinarian’s report was grim. Midnight, also known as Bacon, was found to have multiple chronic health issues, including a prolapse that required surgery. She weighed only 1.3kg, far below the expected weight of approximately 2.8kg for a healthy adult cat.

Inspector Rutherford expressed her shock at Midnight’s condition, noting that she appeared much smaller than her age should have allowed. The veterinarian also examined Chandrika, a male kitten, who was similarly suffering from a prolapse and weighed only 600g. Both cats were infested with fleas, had diarrhea, and were suspected to have worms. The situation was dire, and the animals’ suffering was evident.

Further tragedy struck when a four-month-old female tortoiseshell kitten was brought to the vets two days later. She was critically underweight and had a large area of missing skin and soft tissue from her rear end, which was infested with maggots. Due to the severity of her injuries and suffering, the vets made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize her to prevent further pain. Another female tortoiseshell kitten was found dead in her bed, and a postmortem confirmed she was in a severely weakened state with fleas present.

During the court proceedings, a veterinary report detailed that all four cats had endured significant suffering due to neglect. Fihosy was found guilty of six offences related to the unnecessary suffering and neglect of these animals. The two surviving cats, Midnight and Chandrika, remain in the care of the RSPCA.

Sentencing included a 12-month community order, with 23 days of rehabilitation activities and 150 hours of unpaid work. Fihosy was also ordered to pay £1,300 in costs, and a deprivation order was issued for Midnight and Chandrika, removing them from his custody. Additionally, he was banned from keeping any animals for five years, a restriction that will expire in December 2026. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the Chatham area.