NATALIE HEWSON'S CRUELTY IN CHESTER: ELDERLY CAT ZIPPY LEFT TO DIE ALONE IN ABANDONED FLAT

Natalie Hewson, born around 1988 and residing at Phillip Lawson House, Norfolk Road, Chester CH2 2LD, has been found guilty of neglecting her elderly cat, Zippy, leading to the animal's tragic death. The case, which has garnered significant attention, highlights the severe consequences of animal cruelty and neglect within the Chester community.

Hewson was prosecuted by the RSPCA after investigations revealed that her 13-year-old cat, Zippy, was left to suffer and die alone in her abandoned flat on Norfolk Road, Chester. The investigation was initiated following a report that a cat had died unattended at Hewson’s residence. It was later discovered that Zippy’s body had been removed from the property approximately a week prior by someone familiar with Hewson and was subsequently buried at another address.

During her court appearance at Chester Magistrates Court, Hewson pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to Zippy and failing to meet her pet’s basic needs during the months of August and September 2023. The court heard that Hewson’s neglect had resulted in the animal’s prolonged suffering and eventual death.

Inspector Anthony Joynes of the RSPCA provided detailed evidence to the court, describing the condition of Zippy’s remains. He explained that he was directed to the rear of Hewson’s garden, where he observed the deceased cat, which had been buried in a shallow grave. The inspector noted that Zippy’s body was in a poor state, with ribs, spine, and pelvic bones clearly palpable through the skin, indicating severe malnutrition and neglect. The remains were later exhumed and examined post-mortem.

The veterinary examination revealed that Zippy had suffered from chronic kidney disease that had advanced to renal failure, ultimately causing her death around September 4, 2023. Hewson later told Inspector Joynes that she believed her cat had appeared “fine” three to four days before her death, despite clear signs of illness that should have been monitored.

The veterinarian emphasized that Zippy’s condition, including excessive thirst and urination, are typical symptoms of chronic renal disease. These signs, the vet explained, require regular, often daily, supervision to detect early. The evidence indicated that Hewson had left Zippy unsupervised for extended periods, sometimes up to four days at a time, and when she was supervised, it was only briefly—just enough to provide food and water without observing her behavior or health.

The veterinarian concluded that Hewson’s failure to adequately monitor Zippy’s health needs led to her suffering and the progression of her illness without intervention. Inspector Joynes attempted to contact Hewson multiple times during October and November 2023 to interview her about Zippy’s welfare but received no response. On November 15, he left a message at a property in Llay, Wrexham, where Hewson was believed to be staying, urging her to get in touch urgently.

After numerous attempts, Hewson was finally interviewed on December 6. During the interview, she explained that she had left Chester due to asbestos issues at her flat, which the council had not yet resolved. She admitted to visiting her Chester flat about ten times over the previous month, staying for roughly ten minutes each time, but acknowledged she should have done more to care for Zippy. Hewson expressed her devastation upon learning of her cat’s death and claimed she was unaware of Zippy’s worsening health.

Following the case, Inspector Joynes issued a statement emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership. He said, “Life often throws changes in circumstance at us but it’s important to ensure the needs of animals you are responsible for are always met. Zippy was let down by her owner at a time when she needed her most and with tragic consequences.”

Hewson was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 140 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £240 in costs, a victim surcharge of £114, and was disqualified from owning all animals for two years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and the severe penalties for neglecting those duties in Chester and beyond.