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A Bargo man was given an eight-month suspended prison sentence after he admitted to poisoning two cats belonging to his neighbors – in what has been described as a “historic case” for the RSPCA.
Tristan Paul Pearson (dob 02/04/1978), of West Street, Bargoed, pleaded guilty to the Animal Welfare Act crime after he pleaded guilty to causing two cats living nearby – Luna and Bailey – to take ethylene glycol, a substance highly toxic to felines, Which led to their suffering, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act of 2006.
The poisonings occurred in early September 2021. The veterinarian’s statements submitted to the court confirmed that the renal tubules of the two cats were compatible with ethylene glycol poisoning.
The cats belong to a father and daughter who lived on separate properties near the Pearson West Street home. Three young children – aged eight, five and 18 months – lived on the same property as one of the cats.
Billy’s owner reports that his cat is feeling fine September 3He seemed weak and shaky. Billy, a Persian cat, was scheduled to see the vets, but unfortunately died before that could happen.
A few days later, on September 7Luna, a domestic short-haired female, came home – to the property supporting the house where Billy lives – looking very wobbly on her hind legs. Her symptoms escalated, and vets found she also had a high heart rate as her muscles twitched. Unfortunately, veterinary tests confirmed that Luna had kidney failure and was put to sleep on humanitarian grounds.
After the two pets died, the cat owners looked in the backyard of their neighbors’ property – and noticed two vats. One contained a bright blue liquid, and the other contained a mixture of food, including meat. retrieved and passed to RSPCA.
Some meat-type items in one of the pots were also found in Malik Luna’s garden.
Later tests confirmed that the items in the utensils contained a high concentration of ethylene glycol, and one of them appeared to have mixed with tuna fish – an attractive food for cats. An expert veterinary witness report concluded that “it is very likely that this was the source of the ethylene glycol that caused the death” of Luna and Bailey.
“The effects of ethylene glycol poisoning cause the cat to suffer through the mechanism of dehydration with headache, nausea, confusion, weakness and collapse,” the vet’s statement added.
Pearson, 44, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on August 5. In addition to being sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, ordered to do 150 hours of work without pay, and forbidden to keep all animals for five years; A ban that he may not object to for at least four years.
He was also ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.
Speaking after the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Simon Evans, who investigated the matter, said: “These poor cats were deliberately lured to ingest a substance incredibly dangerous to cats and ultimately proved fatal to both.
“One cat died before it could be taken to the vets, while another had to sleep to avoid suffering. The vets found clear evidence of the damage done by ethylene glycol.
“The two dishes that were found in the defendant’s garden contained a high concentration of the hazardous substance – he admitted in court that he made them consume it, causing them to suffer unnecessarily.
“We hope this shocking historical case sends a clear message to anyone considering targeting cats in this way – this is wrong, illegal and will not be tolerated.”
The case was originally heard in Cumbran Court of First Instance, where Pearson pleaded guilty – but was referred to Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing. The RSPCA believes this is the first such case to be referred in this way, after the Animal Welfare (Governance) Act 2021 came into effect last year; Evidence of the seriousness of the violation.
Previously, the maximum sentence a judge could hand down for animal welfare offenses was six months in prison – however it has been increased tenfold to five years for some Animal Welfare Act offenses and, under new guidelines, means crimes of cruelty to animals can be imposed. become now. to be heard in both the Magistrates’ Courts and the Crown Court to reflect the new maximum sentence.
“It is good to see that the courts are applying the new legislation in the way that was intended,” commented Hayley Firman of the RSPCA’s Allegations Division.
Contact RSPCA Cymru Remind cat owners of poisoning symptoms – and find out what to do if they fear targeting their cat.
Inspector Evans added: “This case reminds us of cases of pet poisoning. Some of the symptoms shown by these poor cats are typical of poisoning.”
Vomiting, depressed or sleepy behavior, appearing drunk or lacking coordination, seizures, and breathing difficulties can all be symptoms of cat poisoning.
“Anyone who fears their cat has been poisoned should try to remain calm, remove the cat from the source and contact a vet immediately.
“Potentially hazardous materials – such as antifreeze – should also be used and stored responsibly, and away from exotic strains.”
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