CONVICTED (2019) | Thomas J Keenan, born 1972, of Hamsterly Park, Northampton NN3 5DX – failed to get treatment for his pet cat’s severe leg injury. Keenan pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his cat, Beauty. The court heard how the RSPCA were called in after receiving reports from a concerned member of the public who said Beauty had a serious leg injury that had not been treated. RSPCA Inspector Michelle Hare visited on July 13, 2019, and could see that there was a problem with Beauty’s back left leg. The leg was twisted inwards and looked floppy, the cat was unable to put any weight on it so, with Keenan’s permission, she took Beauty for veterinary treatment. The vet said that Beauty had a broken femur and the bone had rubbed on her skin causing an abscess that had become infected. He added that he estimated the pet had suffered for about three weeks. Beauty had her leg amputated but has made a great recovery and has now been rehomed by the RSPCA. Inspector Hare said: “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 she was struggling to walk so 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 who can help with vet bills.”.” His other two cats will also be rehomed by the RSPCA. In mitigation, the court was told that Keenan was aware of the injury but could not afford veterinary treatment. Sentencing: 120 hours of unpaid work; £385 costs. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years (expires October 2029). Northampton Chronicle