THOMAS KEENAN FROM OVERSTONE FACES COURT FOR CRUELTY TO PET CAT IN NORTHAMPTON

Thomas Keenan, a resident of Overstone, Northampton, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his pet cat, Beauty, after neglecting a severe injury that required urgent veterinary attention. The case, which was brought to light in 2019, highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting animal welfare.

According to court records, Keenan, born in 1972 and living at Hamsterly Park, Northampton NN3 5DX, failed to seek medical treatment for Beauty’s critical leg injury. The incident came to public attention when a concerned member of the community contacted the RSPCA, reporting that the cat was suffering from a serious leg wound that had been left untreated for an extended period.

On July 13, 2019, RSPCA Inspector Michelle Hare responded to the call and visited Keenan’s residence. During her inspection, she observed that Beauty’s back left leg was visibly deformed, twisted inward, and appeared floppy. The cat was unable to bear weight on the injured limb, indicating a severe problem. With Keenan’s consent, Inspector Hare took Beauty to a veterinary clinic for immediate treatment.

The veterinarian’s examination revealed that Beauty had a broken femur, with the fractured bone rubbing against her skin, resulting in an abscess that had become infected. The vet estimated that the injury had been present for approximately three weeks, suggesting that Keenan had been aware of the injury but failed to act promptly. As a result of the injury, Beauty underwent a leg amputation. Despite the trauma, the cat has since made a significant recovery and has been rehomed by the RSPCA.

Inspector Hare expressed her concerns, stating, “We still are not sure how Beauty came to be injured but believed she may have been involved in a car accident. She had a nasty injury and was struggling to walk, so she should have been taken to the vets straight away. Many vets will offer a payment plan to help spread the cost, and there are charities that can assist with vet bills.”

In addition to Beauty, Keenan’s other two cats are also set to be rehomed by the RSPCA, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to ensure their welfare.

During the court proceedings, it was acknowledged that Keenan was aware of the injury but was unable to afford veterinary treatment at the time. The court sentenced him to 120 hours of unpaid work, ordered him to pay £385 in costs, and imposed a ban on keeping animals for ten years, which will expire in October 2029. The case underscores the critical importance of timely veterinary care and responsible pet ownership to prevent unnecessary suffering and cruelty.