LEWIS JACKSON OF BOURNEMOUTH CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO KITTEN ZEUS

Lewis Jackson, born around 2001 and residing at 10 Morgan Court, Bournemouth BH2 6LE, has been found guilty of inflicting severe physical abuse on a defenseless kitten named Zeus. The incident, which spanned over five weeks, involved Jackson repeatedly beating the young feline and neglecting to seek necessary veterinary care for its injuries, ultimately leading to the amputation of Zeus's leg.

According to the RSPCA prosecutor, Rowan Morton, the extent of Zeus’s injuries was so severe that euthanasia was considered as a last resort. Fortunately, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the animal charity, Zeus was able to recover from his injuries and is now living in a safe and loving environment. The court was informed that between March and April 2023, Jackson took Zeus to the veterinarian on three separate occasions, each visit revealing serious injuries that raised alarm.

Zeus suffered a fractured leg, neurological damage, and a condition known as pulled tail syndrome, which is caused by a fracture at the base of the spine. The veterinarian who examined Zeus reported Jackson to the RSPCA, and Jackson subsequently agreed to relinquish custody of the kitten. During the trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, Judge William Mousley KC noted that Jackson attempted to justify his actions by claiming that the kitten had 'gone for him.' However, an expert witness testified that the tail injury was deliberately inflicted and that the neurological issues resulted from the kitten being dropped or thrown with force.

Following extensive treatment, Zeus made a full recovery and is now thriving in a secure and caring environment. In mitigation, Rosa Bennathan, representing Jackson, described him as a “damaged, complicated young man” suffering from mental health issues. She emphasized that Jackson has a history of good character and expressed remorse for the suffering he caused the kitten. Bennathan also explained that Jackson’s upbringing lacked proper emotional guidance, which contributed to his behavior.

Jackson was convicted after a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal through physical abuse and neglecting to provide prompt veterinary treatment. RSPCA Inspector Patrick Bailey, who led the investigation, expressed his amazement at Zeus’s recovery, stating, “Amazingly, Zeus made a complete recovery and is now living his best life in a new home. In the early stages, we didn’t think he would survive, but this little chap had a determination to live and kept impressing veterinary staff with his progress. It wasn’t a quick or easy transformation, but I find his recovery incredible.”

In sentencing, Jackson received a two-year community order with 15 days of rehabilitation, a fine of £750, and a five-year ban from owning animals, which will expire in February 2030.