A couple from Swansea have been sentenced for neglecting their cat, Pebbles, at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 19 September 2024. Amy Knuszka (DOB 08/01/1992) and Paul Wright (DOB 05/05/1990), both of Wern Road, Swansea, pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of their pet cat.
Pebbles was found suffering from severe dental disease and matted fur, conditions that had gone untreated. The couple admitted that they had noticed the cat’s deteriorating condition over the previous two weeks but failed to seek veterinary care.
In her witness statement to the court, Animal Welfare Officer Serena James described her visit to the property on 8 April 2024. She stated that she found Pebbles in a garden shed, noting, “The fur appeared dirty, and I could see that some areas had matted fur. The cat appeared to not be able to close its mouth fully as it was open, and there was saliva dribbling from it.”
Following this assessment, Pebbles was immediately removed for veterinary treatment. He later had all of his teeth extracted due to severe dental disease and his fur shaved to remove the mats.
A forensic veterinary expert confirmed that Pebbles had suffered for at least two weeks before receiving care. The court heard in mitigation that both defendants entered early guilty pleas, cooperated with the investigation, and cited family and caring responsibilities as mitigating factors.
In addition to the fines, both Knuszka and Wright were disqualified from owning or looking after any cats. However, they can apply to the court to revoke this order after 12 months have elapsed.
Sentencing:
- Amy Knuszka was fined £80 for causing unnecessary suffering and an additional £80 for failing to meet the needs of Pebbles. She was also ordered to pay a £64 victim surcharge and £200 in prosecution costs.
- Paul Wright was fined £300 for causing unnecessary suffering and £300 for failing to meet Pebbles’ needs. He was also ordered to pay a £240 victim surcharge and £500 in prosecution costs.
Jacob Lloyd, Director of the Animal Welfare Investigations Project, commented: “Every animal deserves to be protected from pain, injury, suffering, and disease. Pebbles’ condition was easily recognisable, and any responsible pet owner would have sought immediate veterinary treatment. Where there is failure to meet an animal’s needs or unnecessary suffering is caused, we will not hesitate to prosecute in line with our Prosecutions Policy.”
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