CONVICTED (2022) | Tristian Paul Pearson, born 2 April 1978, of 69 West Street, Bargoed CF81 8SA – poisoned two cats belonging to his neighbours. Victims Bailey and Luna Pearson admitted causing cats Luna and Bailey to take ethylene glycol, a substance which is highly poisonous to felines. The poisonings took place in early September 2021. Vet statements supplied to the court confirmed the kidney tubules of both cats were consistent with ethylene glycol poisoning. The cats belonged to a father and daughter who lived in two separate properties near Pearson’s West Street home. Bailey’s owner reported that his cat, a Persian named Bailey, became unwell on 3 September, and appeared weak and wobbly. He was due to attend a vet but died before this took place. On 7 September, Luna, a female domestic short hair, appeared very wobbly on her back legs. Her symptoms escalated, and vets found her to also have a high heart rate while her muscles were twitching. Sadly, vet tests confirmed Luna had kidney failure and she was put to sleep on humane grounds. Following the deaths of their pets, the owners looked in the rear garden of their neighbour’s property and spotted two pots. One contained a bright blue liquid, and the other a food mix, including meat. These were retrieved, and passed to the RSPCA. Some of the meat-type substance found in one of the pots was also found in the garden of Luna’s owner. Tests later confirmed substances found in the pots contained a high concentration of ethylene glycol, one of which appeared to have been mixed with tuna fish. An expert veterinary witness report concluded that it is “very highly likely that this was the source of ethylene glycol that caused the death of Luna and Bailey”. The report said that the “effects of ethylene glycol poisoning cause a cat to suffer via the mechanism of dehydration with subsequent headaches, nausea, disorientation, weakness and collapse”. Tubs containing the poison ethylene glycol which were found at the bottom of Pearson’s garden. Speaking after the hearing, RSPCA inspector Simon Evans, who investigated, said: “These poor cats were deliberately tempted into digesting a substance that is incredibly dangerous for cats and ultimately proved fatal to them both. “One cat died before he could even be taken to the vets, while another had to be put to sleep to prevent suffering. Vets found clear evidence of the harm the ethylene glycol had done. “The two dishes found in the defendant’s garden contained a high concentration of the dangerous substance – and he admitted in court that he caused them to consume it, causing them to suffer unnecessarily. “We hope this shocking, landmark case sends a clear message to anyone thinking of targeting cats in this way – this is wrong, illegal and will not be tolerated.” The case had originally been heard at Cwmbran Magistrates Court, where Pearson pleaded guilty – but was referred to Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing. The RSPCA believes this is the first such case to be referred in this way, following the coming into force of the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 last year; demonstrating the seriousness of the offence. Sentencing | eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months; 150 hours of unpaid work; £2,000 in costs. Disqualified from keeping all animals for five years but may appeal after four years. Wales247 ITV News