CONVICTED (2021) | Sarah Louise Nassau, born c. 1981, of Sandringham Street, Scarborough YO12 7QD – failed to seek veterinary treatment for her cat’s flea allergy Sarah Nassau failed to get treatment for her cat Minnie’s severe flea allergy Sarah Louise Nassau was found guilty in her absence of causing unnecessary suffering to her pet cat, known as Minnie. On Friday 18 October, 2019, the RSPCA was called to a vet practice in Scarborough as vets raised concerns about a cat in their care. The underweight cat had fur loss, scabs on her back and was constantly licking and grooming herself Inspector Claire Little attended and was presented with the female tortoiseshell cat who had fur loss, scabs on her back and was constantly licking and grooming herself. Inspector Little said: “The vets explained to me that the cat had previously been brought in by a member of the public eight days earlier as she was suffering from fur loss and irritated skin. The vets had contacted the owner via the microchip and the owner had collected the cat. At this time the owner had been advised to have the cat examined by a vet, however, the owner had not done so, stating at the time of collection that she was treating the cat at home with a medicated gel. Inspector Little continued: “Poor Minnie had a severe flea allergy which had caused sores on her skin and significant fur loss. She was also underweight, weighing 2.9kg which is 1kg less than she should. It was evident from her fur loss and the way she was licking and grooming herself that she was uncomfortable and suffering.” The court heard how the vet who examined Minnie said her waist was pinched in and they could easily feel her ribs and spine. They also observed extensive dermatitis, all across her back and around her neck. There was evidence of hair loss which the vet explained suggested she had been extremely itchy and resorted to pulling her fur out. She was also suffering from multiple small areas of infection on the skin, with yellow coloured lesions. A number of live fleas were also observed on examination which led the vet to believe the cause of the skin issue was a severe flea allergy. The court also heard that the vet said the fur loss was obvious to the naked eye and they would expect anyone to have recognised that the cat needed veterinary attention. The suffering endured by Minnie could have easily been prevented if the owner had sought veterinary advice sooner, the vet said in a statement. In mitigation, Nassau maintained that she had done the best she could under difficult financial circumstances. She did not oppose the disqualification order being imposed as she stated she could not afford to keep any pets. It was also stated that she did not attend court before the warrant was issued due to Coronavirus difficulties at home. Minnie has recovered well in RSPCA care and will be available for rehoming soon. Sentencing: ordered to pay a total of £252 in fines, costs and charges. Banned from keeping all animals for two years (expires January 2023). A deprivation order was also imposed for Minnie. York Press