JOE PURVIS SENTENCED IN WORCESTER FOR CRUELTY TO KITTEN IN UPTON-UPON-SEVERN

Joe Purvis, born circa 1993 and residing on William Tennant Way in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcester, was convicted in 2019 for inflicting severe injuries on his young cat, Indico. The 12-week-old Maine Coon was subjected to horrific violence, including a broken jaw, burns to her head, and a leg injury that led to amputation.

In November 2018, Purvis took Indico to a veterinary clinic after she was found to have three fractures to her head. The kitten, purchased for £50 via Facebook a few months earlier, had an open wound on her head and ultimately lost a leg while in Purvis’s care.

Purvis admitted to giving Indico a ‘back-hander’, claiming she had bitten him, but denied causing the burn marks, suggesting she hit her head on a tap during washing. He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal before magistrates.

Sara Pratt, prosecuting, explained that Purvis had previously taken the kitten to vets in September 2018, where her injuries were so severe that her leg had to be amputated. On November 9, 2018, Purvis took her again to Coldicott & Kingsway Veterinary Clinic in Tewkesbury. Staff there noted he smelled strongly of cannabis.

Purvis told veterinarians he believed the jaw fracture resulted from a ‘back-hander’ the night before after she defecated on his bed and bit him. He claimed the head wound was caused by her hitting her head on a tap while he washed her. He expressed that he ‘couldn’t cope with such a demanding animal’ and stated she would be his ‘first and last’ pet.

That night, he reportedly struggled to sleep and considered abandoning her as a stray before deciding to take her to the vet. When told she needed an X-ray, Purvis claimed he lacked the funds and ‘did not want the cat,’ becoming verbally aggressive when veterinary staff refused to relinquish her. He also stated there was ‘no proof’ he owned her and threatened to ‘let her go’ if forced to take her home, criticizing the vets as ‘money grabbing’ despite their offer of free treatment.

Eventually, Purvis agreed to sign over Indico but appeared to ‘screw up’ the paperwork and left the clinic. The vet examinations revealed fractures in her eye and jaw, with the head wound believed to be a burn rather than a simple graze. Vets noted a ‘crunching’ sound in her jaw bones and described her demeanor as ‘nervous,’ which was unusual for a young, typically active cat.

Later that day, an RSPCA inspector visited Purvis's home, and he consented to surrender Indico. He was subsequently interviewed by police. The veterinary interventions necessary to treat her injuries were costly, and Purvis had not paid any bills.

Defence solicitor Judith Kenney from Judith Kenney Ltd in Worcester, stated she had seen pictures of Indico and described her as ‘happy and contented’ while with her client. She explained that after such trauma and major surgery, the cat’s behavior changed, including difficulties with defecation, and suggested that Purvis may not have received proper guidance on caring for her after her amputation.

Regarding the incident, Kenney questioned the truthfulness of Purvis’s account, implying only he knew what actually happened. She asked why he would take an injured kitten to the vet and admit guilt if he lacked compassion. She also mentioned his impulsive nature and mental health issues.

Kenney emphasized that Purvis wanted to do the ‘right thing’ by taking her to the vet, and highlighted that, despite his actions, he is ‘an animal lover’ who regrets the incident. She argued that there is ‘two sides to every story’ and criticized the media portrayal.

The court sentenced Purvis to 14 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to pay costs and charges totaling £515. He was also banned from owning any animals for 10 years, a restriction valid until March 2029. The court noted that Indico has now been rehomed.