Cat Couple Fined After Leaving Felines Starving and Abandoned
A couple ignored repeated RSPCA warnings, leaving their cats—Sparkle, Marble, HJ, and Shadow—alone and starving for up to 48 hours at a stretch.
RSPCA’s Sealed Door Stunt Uncovers Neglect
RSPCA officers visited the pair’s home multiple times, even placing seal tape on the door to check if the cats were being cared for. The tape remained untouched for days, proving the animals were left unattended.
Through the letterbox, rescuers captured photos and video showing the distressed cats meowing loudly and clawing at the door, desperate for food. The officers fed the felines through the slot, with the cats eagerly snatching the pouches out of their hands.
Ratty Flat and Feral Felines
Inside the property, inspectors found “dark and cold” conditions with “mess everywhere.” Three litter trays were “very soiled and dirty,” adding to the filthy environment that shocked authorities.
The cats were removed when it became clear they weren’t being fed properly. The couple was warned the cats couldn’t return until the flat was cleaned and the animals cared for.
Cats Abandoned, Couple Split, and RSPCA Steps In
- After the couple split, Driver moved to Victoria Arcade, Great Yarmouth, taking Sparkle—but left the cats abandoned.
- Wildman housed HJ and Shadow temporarily but returned them to the notorious High Street flat in Lowestoft, against RSPCA advice.
- Despite previous warnings, the cats were again found alone and uncared for just after Christmas, living in “filthy” conditions with no food or water.
- Inspectors noted the cats looked underweight and hungry, confirming neglect.
Justice Served: Couple Fined and Banned
“I believed the cats were starving because of the scratches at the door and the loud noises they were making,” said RSPCA Inspector Amy Pellegrini.
The couple claimed daily visits, but the evidence showed otherwise. Distressed cats desperate for food told a different story.
The court fined the pair £120 each, ordered them to pay £120 costs plus a £34 victim surcharge. All four cats are now barred from living with them for five years.
