Couple repeatedly abandon cats despite RSPCA warnings
Neglect caught on tape
Despite repeated warnings from the RSPCA, a couple left their cats—Sparkle, Marble, HJ, and Shadow—alone for up to 48 hours at a time. Charity officers tried to engage with the pair, even sealing the door with tape to track if anyone was caring for the animals. The tape revealed the cats were left unattended on four separate occasions.
Photos and videos taken through the letterbox showed the felines meowing loudly and clawing at the door in hunger. Officers had to feed the desperate pets through the letterbox, with the cats snatching food eagerly from their hands.
Filthy conditions and ignored warnings
Despite numerous contact attempts, the couple ignored the RSPCA until finally reaching out through the man, Driver, who claimed a friend was feeding the cats. Police then met with Driver and RSPCA inspector Amy Pellegrini, who described the property as “dark and cold” with “mess everywhere” and three “very soiled and dirty” litter trays.
The cats were removed, and a notice was issued preventing their return until the flat was cleaned and the cats properly fed. The RSPCA offered to rehome the cats, but the couple declined, moving the pets to two different addresses following their separation.
Abandoned again and filthy homes
Driver took Sparkle to a property in Victoria Arcade, Great Yarmouth, but the pet was later found abandoned. Meanwhile, Wildman moved HJ and Shadow to a friend’s home before returning them to a flat on High Street, Lowestoft—against RSPCA advice.
Shortly after Christmas, the RSPCA received fresh reports of the cats being left alone. Upon inspection, the living conditions were described as “filthy.” There was no food or water at Driver’s flat, and Inspector Pellegrini noted the cats were underweight and starving. The animals were taken into police care and handed over to the RSPCA.
Sentencing and bans
“I believed the cats were starving because of the scratches at the door and the loud noises they were making,” said Inspector Pellegrini.
Despite claims the cats were visited daily, evidence showed this was false. The cats’ desperate behaviour when fed through the letterbox spoke volumes.
The couple was fined £120 each, ordered to pay £120 in costs plus a £34 victim surcharge. They are banned from keeping any animals for five years.
