An Ilkeston couple have been banned from keeping animals for life by Derby Magistrates Court after being found guilty of allowing cruelty to occur towards their cat.
Anthony Baxter, 41, and Karen Baxter, 34, of King Street, Ilkeston, were ordered to pay £250 in costs, and Mrs Baxter was ordered to do 100 hours of community service by the court on Wednesday June 10.
The RSPCA brought the case after the cat, Tig
ger, a six-month-old tabby, was discovered by their officers in September 2008 with five separate sets of injuries, including a fractured hip, a lump on his shoulder, a swollen eye, bruising to his mouth, a cracked tooth and a large lump on his head.
The couple claimed that the injuries had happened when the cat got stuck in a cupboard.
The couple said that Tigger had always been kept inside but the examining vet commented that only something like a traffic accident could have caused such injuries.
RSPCA inspector Helen Mead said: "I think in this case a disqualification was absolutely the best outcome as the welfare of other animals just could not be guaranteed.
"I would say to all potential pet owners, think very carefully before taking on such a responsibility and if you cannot look after your animals properly for whatever reason, seek help from the RSPCA or another reputable organisation."
Tigger has been re-homed and is now called Arthur.
