Bradford man who left kitten with broken leg is sentenced

Six-month-old Evie was found crying out in distress and unable to walk after her owner Anthony Edwards, 42, of Lapage Street, admitted he had not sought any professional help. 

The kitten, who had to have her right back leg amputated as a result, went on to make a full recovery in the care of the RSPCA and has since found a loving new home.

Evie in her loving new home (Image: RSPCA)

At a sentencing hearing earlier this month, Leeds magistrates were told that an RSPCA inspector visited Edward's house on February 5 last year after the charity was contacted by someone with concerns about the kitten's welfare.  

In her written evidence to the court, the officer said: "I was shown Evie, a dark tortoiseshell coloured six-month-old female cat that was curled up on a jacket.

"She did not stand up and just looked up at us. 

"Mr Edwards explained that he had owned her since September 2022 and that she had come in on Wednesday and was unable to bear weight on her back right leg.

"He showed me a video of her trying to walk.

"He had not taken her to a vet. 

"I tried to get Evie to stand up - she really didn't want to and was not bearing weight on her back right leg which was swinging and appeared broken.

"I explained the possible offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and that I would urgently need to take her to a vet."

Evie was seen immediately at a veterinary practice where she was examined and given urgent pain relief.

The court was told the kitten was obviously in pain as she was crying out and reluctant to move. 

A police officer then attended the practice and took Evie into possession under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Magistrates handed Edwards an indefinite ban on keeping animals and £400 in costs after he pleaded guilty to one animal welfare charge.

In mitigation, the court heard Edwards, now of Barton Terrace, Leeds, had not been "malicious" or "vindictive" but he accepted he had caused Evie to suffer and should have done more, although his drug addiction meant he was unable to look after himself, let alone an animal.