Four year animal ban for Birmingham woman who neglected her cats - with one having to be put down

Shaine Osborne, of Church Road in Birmingham, pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Katey Freckleton attended a block of flats after concerns were raised with the animal welfare charity about the welfare of two cats, Yogi and Grey, who were living in the communal garden at the property.

She said: “I could immediately see the cats were both very underweight, in my opinion a body condition score of 1/9. 

"I could feel all their bones, including ribs, spine and hip bones.

“I noticed both cats had wet discharge from their nose and Grey had a matted rear end with flies on him.”

Osborne confirmed they were her cats and agreed to the RSPCA officer taking them to see a vet.

During triage, Yogi declined and semi collapsed because of the severity of his condition, and had to be put to sleep with the consent from Osborne due to his condition and welfare.  

Grey was admitted into RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital for treatment and tests where he tested positive for parvovirus but recovered and was later rehomed by the charity.

Alongside the four year animal ban, which Osborne can not appeal for two years, the 29-year-old was ordered to carry out a 12 month community order with 40 hours unpaid work when she appeared for sentencing at Birmingham Magistrates Court on December 10. 

She must also pay a £180 fine and £114 victim surcharge.

In mitigation, it was said she was not deliberately cruel but incompetent in the care given and she should have taken vets sooner and regretted this.

Katey Freckleton said: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive the care they need. 

"Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure they are kept safe and healthy. 

"Sadly these cats were not provided with that basic care, including food, water or vet treatment.”