UK: RSPCA No charges in dead cats probe

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RSPCA: No charges in dead cats probe
Exclusive
By Charles Heslett

THE discovery of 100 dead cats in a Leeds flat shocked animal lovers across
the city.

When the YEP broke the story of how cleansing workers made the grisly find
in a Seacroft block, the paper was inundated with letters and e-mails from
horrified readers.
But today we can reveal the RSPCA will NOT be prosecuting the occupant who
lived in the third floor flat where cat corpses were found sealed in
cardboard boxes and stuffed inside plastic bags in a chest freezer.
A month ago, two RSPCA officers interviewed the suspect after he came
forward following the publicity.
The YEP knows his name, but has decided not to reveal it for his own safety.
RSPCA spokeswoman Heather Holmes said: "The RSPCA acknowledges this to be an
extremely emotive and unique case.
"After conducting a thorough investigation, it has determined it will not be
prosecuting the former occupant of the flat.
"He has, however, been issued with a verbal warning by the RSPCA.
"Given the situation, it is not appropriate for the RSPCA to comment further
on this specific case."
RSPCA Inspector Lynsey Harris was alerted to the discovery in Kingsdale
Court, Boggart Hill Road, by Stockport-based A-Z Environmental Services.
They found the flat 2ft deep in animal and human waste with bodies of cats
scattered across the one-bedroom property.
Under the 1911 Protection of Animals Act, the RSPCA has to prove that an
individual "caused unnecessary suffering" to a domestic animal.
But the carcasses were so decomposed the charity could not prove how they
died.
There was also no confession from the man, who was evicted weeks earlier by
Manchester-based owner Finsbury Estates.
Mrs Holmes added: "Yorkshire Evening Post readers can be assured that, where
evidence allows us, the RSPCA will not hesitate to bring a prosecution.
"However, the society must satisfy itself that any potential prosecution is
in the public interest, and that it is an adequately strong case to put
before the courts.
"Wherever possible we always try to educate animal owners in responsible pet
ownership, by offering advice, support and assistance where appropriate.
Contact us on 08705 555999."
Survivor Harry, a tomcat, was adopted by nearby residents in Boggart Hill
and it later emerged 13 others were taken in by Judith Cotterill at the
Yorkshire Animal Centre in Leeds, who was contacted by the same man before
he was evicted.

To adopt a survivor call Judith on 0113 2037236.
charles...@ypn.co.uk
16 November 2005