KAYCEE HUTCHINSON FROM FARNWORTH SENTENCED FOR STARVING CATS TO DEATH IN SQUALID FLAT

Kaycee Lee Hutchinson, born on March 7, 2003, and residing at Lonsdale Grove, Farnworth BL4 7UD, was found guilty in 2023 of severe animal cruelty involving his two cats. The case came to light after authorities discovered the tragic neglect that led to the death of one feline and the suffering of another.

On November 7, 2022, an RSPCA inspector was dispatched to Hutchinson’s property following concerns raised by local police about the welfare of the animals. The police had reported the presence of a deceased cat and an emaciated living cat at the address, which was described as a squalid and neglected environment. It was later revealed that Hutchinson had moved out to stay with his mother, Anne Stokes, leaving the cats behind without providing them with adequate food or water.

Upon entering the flat, Inspector Beth Fazackerley encountered a scene of utter neglect. She was informed by police officers that they had been forced to change their clothing after being bitten and jumped on by fleas present in the property. In her official statement, Inspector Fazackerley described the conditions: “When I entered the first-floor flat, I immediately noticed a foul smell, it was a mixture of general waste and cat faeces and urine. Inside the flat, there were two overflowing litter trays filled with old faeces, along with general belongings and rubbish scattered across the floors and surfaces of each room.”

During her inspection, the inspector encountered a black, female, domestic short-haired cat that was severely underweight. She carefully confined the animal in her cat basket before discovering the remains of a deceased male cat. The surviving feline, named Bagheera, was found to be emaciated and living in deplorable conditions.

Both cats were taken to RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for veterinary assessment and treatment. The deceased cat was subjected to an autopsy, which revealed that its cause of death was starvation and anemia. Senior veterinary clinician Shannon McCall examined the remains and confirmed the severity of the neglect. She noted that both cats had significant flea infestations, which would have caused constant irritation and suffering. McCall emphasized that a responsible owner should have identified the fleas and sought veterinary advice. She explained that the deceased cat had likely experienced weakness and debilitation, with emaciation causing mental suffering due to persistent hunger. The process of starvation in cats is slow and painful, often taking at least four days for death to occur as the body gradually shuts down.

Hutchinson pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences. The court sentenced him to a combination of suspended prison terms—16 weeks and 12 weeks respectively—along with 140 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, and a financial penalty of £450 in costs plus a £154 victim surcharge. Additionally, Hutchinson received a lifetime ban on owning any animals.

Following the sentencing, Inspector Fazackerley expressed her dismay at the conditions the cats endured. She stated, “The conditions Calipo and Bagheera endured were wholly unacceptable. Pets rely entirely on their owners to meet their needs and ensure their safety and health. It is a responsibility that must be taken seriously. It is deeply sad that such an entirely preventable death occurred, but I hope that Bagheera will recover well and find a loving new home following our intervention.”

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect. The incident has garnered attention from local media outlets, including Bolton News and the Manchester Evening News, emphasizing the need for vigilance and responsible pet ownership in the Farnworth area.