RUHIT DEY AND AMELIA PIKE FROM ROTHERHAM SENTENCED FOR SADISTIC CRUELTY TO KITTENS

Ruhit Dey and Amelia Elizabeth Pike, both born around 2001 and residents of Winifred Street, Masbrough, Rotherham S60 1LW, have been convicted of heinous acts of animal cruelty involving three innocent kittens. Their case has garnered significant attention due to the severity and brutality of the abuse inflicted upon these vulnerable animals.

On May 24, 2024, at Sheffield Magistrates Court, Dey and Pike pleaded guilty to seven charges related to animal welfare violations. The court's decision came after a thorough investigation and prosecution initiated by the RSPCA, which uncovered a disturbing pattern of violence and neglect. As a result, both individuals were handed a lifetime ban from keeping any animals, a penalty that underscores the gravity of their offenses.

The investigation was prompted by a distressing incident involving a kitten named Gwen, who was brought to a veterinary clinic in a collapsed state. Despite the veterinary team performing CPR in a desperate attempt to save her, Gwen tragically succumbed to her injuries. The couple claimed that Gwen's condition was caused by an interaction with their other kitten, which allegedly caused her to inhale water and choke. However, a post-mortem examination revealed a different story: Gwen had burns on her paw pads and a broken leg, injuries inconsistent with their explanation. Dey was alone with Gwen at the time but insisted he did not witness the incident.

Further investigation revealed that another kitten, Meg, had been taken to the vet with severe injuries, including a broken jaw and brain trauma. These injuries led to Meg suffering seizures, and she was ultimately euthanized. Dey and Pike initially claimed that Meg's injuries resulted from her running into furniture, but veterinary assessments contradicted their account, confirming that the injuries were inflicted and not accidental. An image posted by Amelia Pike on her Facebook profile shows a cat, but it remains unclear whether this cat survived the couple's care.

During the course of the investigation, an RSPCA inspector intervened to remove the remaining animals from the couple’s home to prevent further harm. It was during this process that a third kitten, Glen, was discovered to have suffered multiple broken bones, including a fractured femur that required surgical intervention. Pike later admitted to neglecting to investigate Glen’s lameness, and both Dey and Pike acknowledged their failure to protect the kittens from injury, pain, and suffering.

The court heard that Dey's actions demonstrated deliberate sadistic cruelty, especially towards more than one animal. The judge emphasized the severity of the case, stating that neither Dey nor Pike could be trusted to care for animals again. Consequently, a lifetime disqualification from owning or caring for animals was imposed, with a ten-year suspension period before they could potentially appeal.

As part of the court's ruling, the remaining kittens, including a surviving one and another named Cosmo, who was not involved in the case, were surrendered to a charity and have since been rehomed. The RSPCA spokesperson expressed their distress over the case, highlighting the emotional toll on investigators and reaffirming their commitment to pursuing justice for animals subjected to cruelty.

In terms of sentencing, Ruhit Dey received a 26-week prison sentence for two of the offenses, with an additional 12 weeks for a third, all suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £554 in costs. Amelia Pike was given a 12-month community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation, and a £400 fine. Both individuals are permanently banned from owning animals but retain the right to appeal after ten years.

Additional background information reveals that Ruhit Dey attended Leigh UTC, a University Technical College based in Dartford, Kent, according to his LinkedIn profile. Amelia Pike holds a degree in interior architecture and design from Sheffield Hallam University and an MSc in international business management. She is currently employed by the fashion retailer Blue Vanilla and has previously worked for Greggs, Home Bargains, and McDonald's.