THOMAS FOWLER AND CLAIRE WILLIS FROM SWINDON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

Thomas Robert Fowler, born around 1993 and residing at Periwinkle Close, Swindon SN2 2QH, was convicted of inflicting severe and brutal injuries on multiple animals, including two cats and a young puppy, in a series of sustained acts of cruelty. His partner, Claire Louise Willis, also of the same address, was found to have failed in her duty to protect the animals from harm, resulting in her receiving a separate sentence.

Fowler, a soldier in the British Army with nine years of service, was responsible for the suffering and eventual death of his pets, which included two cats named Jessie and Shadow, and a 10-week-old puppy named Rolo. The injuries inflicted upon these animals were described by District Judge Joanna Dickens as some of the most serious cases of animal cruelty she had ever encountered. She characterized the violence as gratuitous, horrific, and both cruel and prolonged, with the animals suffering multiple injuries, including several fractured ribs on each of them.

The case came to light after concerned veterinarians noticed suspicious injuries during routine visits in August 2020. Fowler had taken Shadow, a female black cat, to the vet on March 11, 2020, because she was lethargic, had a scratched head, and a fractured tooth. The following day, Shadow was found disoriented and breathing heavily, prompting her immediate transfer to a hospital. Medical examinations revealed a neck wound, bruising on her chest, multiple rib fractures, and a bruised lung. Shadow was discharged on March 15 but was readmitted on May 7 with a lame hind leg and swelling. Despite receiving pain relief and treatment, she was found dead the next day.

In May, Fowler’s partner adopted another cat, Jessie, but she too soon required medical attention. Less than two weeks after her adoption, Jessie was examined because she had not eaten or drunk for over a day. An X-ray revealed six recent rib fractures, five on one side and one on the other. Jessie was placed in an oxygen tent and fed via a tube but ultimately failed to respond to treatment and was humanely euthanized.

The cruelty escalated further with the abuse of Rolo, the puppy, who was only ten weeks old. On August 3, 2020, Rolo was brought to the vet with labored breathing and bruised eyes. Fowler claimed that Rolo had been playing with a toy, hit his head on a coffee table, and then fallen, twisting his neck. However, radiographs showed air surrounding his right lung, indicating a pneumothorax, along with bruising and swelling. Rolo was treated with pain relief, intravenous fluids, and a chest drain to remove the air. Despite these efforts, Rolo was returned to Fowler and Willis but was subjected to further injuries within hours, including fractured ribs and signs of strangulation.

Over the following days, Rolo’s condition worsened. On August 11 and 12, additional scans revealed fractures to his jaw, cheekbone, shoulder blades, vertebrae, hips, and a total of 15 ribs—nine on one side and six on the other. The extent of his injuries was so severe that he was unable to recover, and he was euthanized after failing to respond to treatment.

Judge Dickens sentenced Fowler to 20 weeks in custody, noting that the law caps the prison term for animal cruelty at 26 weeks. She explained that Fowler was entitled to a reduction in his sentence due to his guilty plea. Additionally, she imposed a lifetime ban on owning animals, which would be in effect for at least ten years, and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £122. Fowler, who was supported in court by a military representative, is expected to leave the British Army as a result of these convictions.

Claire Willis was sentenced for three charges related to her failure to exercise reasonable care and supervision over the animals. She received a one-year community order, including 120 hours of unpaid work and 12 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. She was also ordered to pay costs of £195 and was given a ten-year ban on owning animals, which she can appeal after five years.

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson, who led the investigation, described the case as one of the most serious cruelty cases imaginable. She emphasized the extent of the injuries inflicted on the animals, especially Rolo, who was beaten within an inch of his life. Inspector Albinson expressed her heartbreak over the repeated violence and the fact that the animals suffered such extensive injuries in such a short period.

In summary, Thomas Fowler received a sentence of 20 weeks in prison and a lifetime disqualification from owning animals, while Claire Willis was given a community order and a decade-long ban. The case has garnered significant attention in Swindon, highlighting the severity of animal cruelty and the importance of vigilant animal welfare enforcement.