CCTV footage captured an eight-month-old kitten being thrown
across the road by an angry neighbour. April Hawes threw the kitten 25 feet and
shouted that she wanted to knock the cat out in the fit of rage. Hawes was
furious as the cat kept entering her garden, which resulted in her taking the aggressive action, throwing the cat across the road into her neighbours' door, twice. The kitten, named Shadow, suffered soft tissue damage.
Hawes admitted the animal cruelty at King’s Lynn magistrates
in Norfolk, entering a guilty plea to causing suffering to a protected pet at a
hearing on March 1, 2019. Hawes said she was remorseful for her actions and that
she didn’t want to cause the kitten any harm. The kitten was entering her
garden and scenting, which is when Hawes picked up[ the cat by the scruff of
the neck and hurled it twice at the door while shouting.
Shadow’s owners heard two loud bangs at the front door and
shouting in the street just after 8am. They found Shadow’s collar had come off
and called him over noticing he was shaken. Shadow didn’t require any veterinary
treatments but is now very nervous and uncomfortable around women.
Hawes was sentenced to a 12 month community order and 30
days’ rehabilitation activity. £85 in costs and £85 victim surcharge must also
be paid by Hawes, who is said to be suffering from PTSD.
Protect Your Pet
Not everyone likes cats, but this is never an excuse to harm
an animal. Cat fences can be used to protect pets from risks including harm or
injury caused by other people or animals. Cat fences and containment systems are
there to provide pet cats with a safe environment where they can enjoy the
outdoors without being put in harms way. Contact our friendly experts
to learn more.
