TROY DRAYCOTT AND MICHAEL STEPHENS FROM CHARD CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO POORLY CATS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chard, two local men, Troy Draycott, born on December 1, 1986, residing on Holyrood Street, and Michael William Stephens, born around 1990, living at Old Town Flats, faced justice after neglecting and causing suffering to two cats named Lexi and Blade.

The incident came to light when an RSPCA inspector visited one of the men's addresses and was immediately met with an overwhelming stench of cat urine and feces, indicating severe neglect. Upon entering the bathroom where the cats were kept, the inspector discovered a scene of utter filth and distress. The cats were found lying on a cushion and blanket soaked in urine, in a room that was filthy and contaminated with walk-in pools of diarrhea and dirt.

Both Lexi and Blade appeared extremely subdued, sitting hunched and heavily soiled. Lexi was in a dire state, emaciated to the point where her spine, ribs, and pelvis were easily felt through her skin. She was described as being in a 'life-threatening condition,' with minimal muscle tone and signs of severe neglect. The cats' ears were dirty, and their coats were covered in flea dirt and wet with urine, emitting a foul smell. Despite the presence of some food and milk in a bowl, there was no water available for the animals.

Veterinary assessment revealed that both cats were suffering from high levels of flea dirt, mites, ear infections, and skin lesions. Blade was found to have a urine-soaked underside and a strong smell of ammonia, indicating infection and poor hygiene. Lexi's body condition was critically poor, with a very low body temperature, anemia, and overall in a life-threatening state.

Both Draycott and Stephens pleaded guilty in court to causing unnecessary animal suffering. The court was informed that since their rescue and treatment, Lexi and Blade had responded well and were now in good health. It was also made clear that the cats would not be returned to their owners.

During proceedings, their defense solicitor, Ray Peters, explained that both men were joint owners of the cats and that they had been diagnosed with learning difficulties and mental health issues. He stated that they had initially considered owning an animal but recognized that their living conditions were unsuitable. The solicitor detailed how the cats were purchased after they saw an advertisement on Facebook for two kittens being sold by a friend. The animals were initially kept at Draycott’s home but were moved to Stephens’ flat after housing restrictions prevented him from keeping pets.

Mr. Peters added that when the RSPCA inspector arrived, both men immediately agreed to surrender the cats, acknowledging their inability to care for them properly. He expressed regret that they had not acted sooner to seek help or surrender the animals earlier. The men stated they no longer owned any animals and did not wish to do so in the future.

Sentencing included a fine of £150 each to contribute towards court costs. Additionally, both men received a five-year ban from keeping animals, which will expire in September 2023. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, serving as a reminder to the community of Chard about the responsibilities involved in pet ownership.