KYLE EVANS AND ABIGAIL HANRAHAN OF BIRKENDHEAD SENTENCED FOR FAILING TO TREAT INJURED KITTEN
Kyle Evans, born around 1989, and his partner Abigail Hanrahan, born around 1988, both residents of Conway Street in Birkenhead (CH41), were convicted in 2019 for neglecting their kitten’s severe injuries, which were likely caused by a physical attack.Wirral Magistrates Court heard that the eight-month-old kitten, Felix, was left with a detached jaw for six weeks before a concerned member of the public alerted the RSPCA.
When eventually examined by a veterinarian, Felix was found to be blind and unable to walk properly.
He also suffered a brain injury, which causes him to wobble when walking.
The owners claimed that Felix’s injuries resulted from the kitten running into a litter tray.
However, a veterinary expert testified that the injuries were more consistent with a physical attack.
Evans and Hanrahan pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a cat by failing to seek prompt and appropriate veterinary care.
The magistrates imposed a ten-year ban on them keeping any animals.
RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes, who investigated the case, explained: “He really was in a state and obviously the injury to his jaw — which had been left untreated — was causing a lot of suffering.
The vet also found swelling on his head that caused blindness, but with treatment his sight has been restored.
It seems he has a brain injury, which makes him wobble when he walks, but he is doing well considering.
He is such a lovely cat.
He was so timid initially, but now he loves being stroked.
He has come on leaps and bounds.
There is never any excuse not to seek veterinary treatment if a pet is in need, and Felix must have suffered terribly during this long period.” Felix’s injury was believed to have occurred around June 1, 2018.
He was left untreated until the RSPCA intervened on July 16.
He was then taken to an animal hospital, where he received three weeks of treatment for swelling on his head, which restored his sight.
The RSPCA reports that Felix has made a remarkable recovery and they hope he will be re-homed soon.
Regarding sentencing, Kyle Evans was given a 12-month community order, including 140 hours of unpaid work and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was also ordered to pay £240 in costs and an £84 victim surcharge.
Abigail Hanrahan was fined £100, ordered to pay £100 in costs, and a £35 victim surcharge.
Both individuals received a ten-year ban from owning or keeping animals.
