JAMIE BOWEN FROM NEWTOWN SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TOWARD HIS CATS

Jamie Martin Bowen, born on 27 April 1993 and residing at 363 Violet Close, Newtown SY16 1HN, was convicted in 2022 for the tragic death of his girlfriend's two cats. Bowen admitted to attacking the animals in a fit of rage, during which he repeatedly punched them. The injuries inflicted were so severe that a veterinarian believed they could only have been caused by being hit by a vehicle.

The court heard that Bowen had been experiencing mental health difficulties prior to the incident. Two cats belonging to Bowen’s partner were involved; it is not confirmed whether these were the same cats that died. One cat was already dead upon arrival at the veterinary clinic, while the second had to be euthanised due to its injuries, which were consistent with blunt force trauma to the head and chest.

Prosecutor David Mainstone explained, “The defendant and his partner had taken the two cats to Hafren Vets in Newtown, where the lead vet immediately saw one was dead, while the other was close to death.” He added that the vet attempted to revive the surviving cat and, upon failure, spoke with Bowen and his partner to obtain consent for euthanasia. Bowen admitted, “He had been struggling with his mental health and he admitted he’d killed the cats.”

The veterinarian noted that the injuries suggested the cats had been hit by a vehicle. The living cat was found to have a fractured skull and injuries to its limbs. Bowen later confessed that he had punched the cats repeatedly in the head before calling his partner to help take them to the vet. He claimed, “He did not know why he’d done it and was not under the influence of drink or drugs at the time,” but he acknowledged he had not been taking his prescribed medication, which he suggested could have contributed to his actions. He also stated he did not intend to kill the animals.

Bowen’s lawyer highlighted that his client had an “extremely gentle” side and informed the court that the couple's other cats are currently being cared for by Bowen’s partner’s sister.

In sentencing, Bowen received an eight-month prison sentence, which was suspended for 18 months. The court also imposed a community mental health treatment requirement, 20 rehabilitation days, and ordered him to pay £656 in costs and charges. Additionally, Bowen was banned from owning animals for ten years.

It is also alleged that Bowen is a serial animal abuser and that he attacked his cats on at least two previous occasions.