KATHLEEN TOWNLEY, MARK BAYLIS, AND ZACH TOWNLEY CONVICTED IN DOWNHAM MARKET

In 2022, Kathleen Townley, born on 12 March 1969 and residing at Wellington House, Glebe Road, Downham Market PE38 9QN, was convicted for failing to seek veterinary care for her injured cat, Ozzy. While she was only convicted of neglecting the cat’s welfare, she faced an initial charge of attempting to kill Ozzy, which was later discontinued. Townley was prosecuted alongside Mark Baylis, who shared the same address; however, Baylis was acquitted after a trial.

Zach Townley, born on 17 March 1999 of 14 Silver Green, Fairstead, King’s Lynn PE30 4SG, was accused of causing Ozzy’s injuries but pleaded not guilty. The case against him was ultimately dropped due to insufficient evidence. Zach previously pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Ozzy between January 1 and January 20, 2022, involving infliction of blunt force trauma and physical violence; this case was discontinued earlier in 2022 after the RSPCA decided not to present evidence.

During the investigation, RSPCA officers acted on a tip-off and visited Townley and Baylis’s home on January 19, 2022. Prosecutor Hugh Rowland reported that there were four other cats, two dogs, and two corn snakes at the residence, all appearing to be in good health. Following an assessment of Ozzy’s condition, the officers agreed with Townley that he would be handed over to the RSPCA.

Inspector Kirby observed that Ozzy’s back legs were unresponsive, and he was falling to one side, standing on his hocks—signs that indicated he needed veterinary attention. The injury or illness was clearly visible. The court noted that Ozzy’s condition was “readily observable.”

During Mark Baylis’s trial, he admitted joint responsibility for Ozzy but claimed he denied the cruelty charges because he was not the owner. He mentioned that he had seen Ozzy limping for a day or two before the RSPCA arrived and intended to take him to the vet once he received his paycheck.

Magistrates found Baylis not guilty, citing doubts over whether Ozzy required urgent care, as the RSPCA only examined him the day after he was signed over.

At the sentencing hearing, Townley stated she would have taken Ozzy to the vet but lacked the financial means. Her solicitor, Ruth Johnson, emphasized that Townley “vehemently denied there was any mistreatment of the cat.” The court also learned that Townley had rehomed all her pets except for two Chihuahuas.

As for Zach Townley, the RSPCA could not prove he inflicted Ozzy’s injuries. He had previously pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering but the case was discontinued, similar to the charges against his mother.

Ozzy’s health improved after treatment with anti-inflammatory medication, and he has since been rehomed. In her sentencing, Kathleen Townley was fined £80 and ordered to pay £100 in costs plus a £34 victim surcharge.