Yorkshire woman who left her paralysed cat in bin store gets life ban from keeping animals

Michelle Cunliffe, 46, of Ingham Gardens, Holbeck, Leeds admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a black female cat, called Felix, and appeared before Kirklees Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on June 22.

Felix was found in a bin store near to Cunliffe’s former home at Stanley Road in Leeds after RSPCA inspectors Kris Walker and Nikki Cheetham paid a visit on the morning of September 15 last year.

The cat was unable to stand and was wincing in pain when she was touched.

After Cunliffe agreed to sign her over to the care of the RSPCA, she was taken to a vets in Bradford, but due to her poor condition the vet decided to put her to sleep.

The RSPCA had been alerted to the neglect after receiving a call of concern and a check of the animal’s microchip revealed Cunliffe lived close by. The owner admitted to Inspector Walker the cat was not receiving veterinary care.

In a witness statement, Inspector Walker said: “She said that Felix had a fit almost a week previously and was off her back legs. She said she’d left her home on September 12 and hadn’t been seen since.”

Inspector Cheetham stated: “The cat was very cold, her fur was wet and she was unable to stand. It was clear that she had no use of her back limbs and she was very vocal when touched as if in pain.

“Cunliffe made us aware that the cat was registered at the PDSA vet charity, which was a short distance from the address. But she had not sought any advice from its staff on the cat's condition.”

An expert report by a veterinary surgeon stated the cat, who was underweight, was unable to use her pelvic limbs with no reflexes or pulses detected.

The court was told that Cunliffe “realised she could have done more”. She had been “very fond of her cat, but had other priorities that day”, it was said.

Magistrates told her: “We didn’t hear anything to suggest that you took responsibility in this life or death situation.”

As well as the ban, they told the defendant to complete 25 rehabilitation activity days as part of a 12-month community order and fined her £100. She also has to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £95.

Speaking after the case, Inspector Walker said: “The bin store we found the cat in was just three or four feet away from the defendant’s property, while she was a four-minute walk away from a PDSA clinic.

“It is completely unacceptable to leave any animal to suffer like this cat did. We will always look into reports of animal cruelty and, where necessary, seek justice for that animal.

“We would always urge people who may be having difficulties paying vets’ bills to seek advice.

“Even if you are unsure you should contact your vets and speak to them. If you are worried about the finances, many vets provide packages to help manage the costs and ensure pets receive regular check-ups and preventative treatments.”