MATTHEW PARKER FROM FERRYHILL SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL ABUSE IN CO DURHAM

Matthew Dennis Parker, born around 1993 and residing on Newton Street, Ferryhill, Co Durham DL17 8PW, was convicted in 2019 for abandoning three kittens in an empty property. One of the kittens was found dead, while the other two were severely malnourished and emaciated.

Authorities were alerted to Parker's home after the RSPCA established he had not returned to care for the kittens for at least three days. RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson explained, “We had seen two kittens – Thor and Belle – on the windowsill of what we believed was a bedroom upstairs, and they didn’t seem to have access to the rest of the house. When officers entered, they found the kittens shut inside. Tragically, a third kitten, Tigger, was discovered dead on the bed. All three of them were extremely undernourished, but with proper care, Thor and Belle have fully recovered and have since been rehomed.”

During the court hearing, it was mentioned that Parker was working long hours at the time and believed he had left enough food for the kittens. He expressed regret, stating that causing them suffering was never his intention.

Inspector Wilson highlighted the concerning trend of pet owners leaving animals unattended for extended periods, emphasizing, “We are seeing more and more people leaving their pets alone for long durations. This is not acceptable and is also against the law. If you need to leave your pet unattended for over 24 hours, you must arrange for a responsible person to care for them. As this heartbreaking case shows, the consequences can be devastating.”

Parker received a sentence of 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with 200 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation days, a total of £415 in costs and charges, and a 20-year ban from keeping animals.