Friday, August 19, 2011

Man Who Microwaved His Cat Spared Prison

A 20-year-old man has been spared a jail sentence after he microwaved his pet cat, according to the RSPCA.

Stephen Stacey, of Omega Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, was given a 16-week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months for causing unnecessary suffering to the cat, which he had named Comeonthen.

At Portsmouth Magistrates' Court, he was also banned from keeping all animals for life and was made subject to a six-week night-time curfew.

The court heard that on February 25, Stacey had considered throwing the cat out of the window but decided to put it in the microwave instead.

The cat, which survived the ordeal, has now been adopted by the RSPCA Stubbington Ark animal centre in Fareham, Hampshire, where staff have renamed it Nancy.

RSPCA inspector Micky Garrity said: "I am glad the court has recognised the serious nature of this offence and sent out a clear message that, under the Animal Welfare Act, pet owners have a duty of care to protect their animals.

"The way this poor cat was treated was appalling and I am pleased that the RSPCA can now find her a new home where she can be safe and lead a happy life free of fear."

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