Wigan: Woman let cats starve in 'squalid conditions'

Donna Laithwaite, 38, did not meet the needs of any of her three cats, failing to provide them with enough food or veterinary treatment.

Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court heard how the RSPCA found the first dead cat when searching her home on Monday October 11 2001 after being notified by the landlord.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Alison Wilford said: “I went into the property with the landlord and found a slim tabby and white cat.

“The lounge was cluttered, with empty food bowls on the floor.

Two cats were found dead (Image: RSPCA)

“I went upstairs to the bedroom where the landlord had advised the dead cat was; the smell in the room was foul.

“There were faeces all over the bed and in the corner of the room, with lots of empty cat food boxes scattered around. 

“Under the bed was another mattress with a dead cat lying on top of it.

Another cat was taken away from the house (Image: RSPCA)

“Upon leaving the property I realised I was absolutely covered in fleas from the inside.

“I spoke to a neighbour who said they hadn’t seen Donna for a few weeks and believed she had moved elsewhere with her boyfriend.”

Later that day, Ms Wilford went back to remove the dead cat and taken the surviving cat into care.

The cats were kept in squalid conditions (Image: RSPCA)

But looking closer she found another dead cat in the house.

Ms Wilford said: “We removed the dead cats from the property and took the surviving cat to RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for veterinary treatment.

“I made multiple attempts to contact Donna but to no avail.

“I briefly spoke to her boyfriend, who insisted the cats were being regularly fed, but he was unable to make any contact with Donna. 

“Finally on December 7, I managed to see Donna.

The RSPCA hope to find Bobby a new home (Image: RSPCA)

“She admitted ownership of the cats and said she had locked two of the cats in a bedroom to stop them fighting with the tabby cat who we now know to be called Bobby.

“Donna said she was aware that the cats were not in a good condition.”

A witness from veterinary surgeon Sean Taylor said both dead cats were emaciated from lack of food while all three of the cats have been suffering due to a severe flea infestation.

Brought before magistrates on Friday August 4 Laithwaite, of Derby Street, Wigan, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

She was given a 20 week prison sentence, suspended for two years and banned from owning any animals for five years.

Laithwaite was also ordered to pay £750 costs plus a surcharge of £128. 

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RSPCA inspector Deborah Beats said: “The death of both of these cats was entirely unnecessary and they must have suffered horribly.

“Not only would they have been in pain from flea and ear mite infestations but they were forced to live in appalling, squalid conditions. 

“Both cats would have died a slow and entirely preventable death from starvation.

“Bobby, the surviving cat was similarly emaciated and ill cared for, I hope once he finishes his veterinary treatment with the RSPCA he will find a new home with a loving family.

“I sincerely hope Laithwaite learns from this prosecution and never mistreats an animal again.”