VIKTORIJA ELKSNITE'S CRUELTY IN GOOLE: CATS LEFT TO STARVE AND DEHYDRATE

Viktorija Elksnite, a Latvian national residing on Morley Street in Goole, has been found guilty of neglecting her two cats, Bellis and Minnie, by leaving them without food or water for several days at a time. The distressing case came to light after the animals were observed clawing at a window, desperate for attention and sustenance, after being left unattended in a kitchen that was reportedly filled with faeces.

Elksnite, born on May 9, 2001, faced charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, specifically relating to her failure to provide adequate care for her pets. The court heard that she had previously received warnings from the RSPCA about leaving her animals unattended, but the neglect persisted. When RSPCA animal rescue officer Olivia Farrar conducted a follow-up visit on November 28, 2022, she found that Elksnite was absent from her home, and Bellis was seen clawing at the window in a distressed state, clearly suffering from neglect.

Despite multiple visits by RSPCA inspectors, Elksnite continued to leave her cats alone. On December 4, 2022, an inspector managed to feed one of the cats through the letterbox, highlighting the ongoing concern for their welfare. The situation escalated when, on December 14, 2022, inspector Tom Hutton, accompanied by police and a council officer, returned to the property to gain access. They discovered Bellis in a living room strewn with faeces, with only two empty bowls present, and Minnie in the kitchen, where again there was no sign of food or water, but a litter tray filled with faeces.

In a statement to the court, inspector Hutton described Bellis as being bright, active, and alert, but in poor physical condition. The veterinarian’s report confirmed that Bellis was emaciated, with a body condition score of just two out of nine, and was severely dehydrated. Minnie was also found to be underweight, with a body condition score of four out of nine. Both cats were taken to a local veterinary practice for urgent treatment.

The veterinarian’s assessment revealed that the cats’ suffering was a direct result of Elksnite’s chaotic lifestyle, which the court acknowledged as a mitigating factor. During the hearing, it was noted that Elksnite expressed remorse for her actions and explained that she was living in a state of upheaval, having recently left an abusive relationship. She was residing at addresses in Goole and Bridlington, where she was employed, and believed she had made appropriate arrangements for her pets’ care while she was away.

Following the court’s decision, both Bellis and Minnie were signed over into the care of the RSPCA. The charity has reported that the cats have since recovered from their ordeal and will soon be available for rehoming. The court sentenced Elksnite to a fine of £120, court costs of £400, a victim surcharge of £48, and imposed a five-year ban on keeping animals, which will expire in December 2028.

Elksnite’s family home is located at 36 Marshfield Avenue, Goole, DN14 5JH, according to the electoral roll. Despite her neglectful behavior, she appears to find time in her chaotic lifestyle to produce humorous videos with her long-term boyfriend on TikTok and Facebook, which are publicly accessible. Her case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting those who depend on us for care.