Man's "affection" for his cat came "before its welfare"

Monday 30 April 2018

A lifelong disqualification from owning any animals and a £1,000 fine has been given to a man in the Magistrate's Court, for failing to get proper vet's care for his cat.

Mark Trebert, 47, took his cat Ziggy to the vet in June 2015, where he was given "grave news."

But Trebert failed to follow up the appointment after that because "his emotion over the situation overruled his logic".

Around two years later, Ziggy reportedly started to show clear signs of suffering, however even then Trebert failed to take his cat back to the vet for treatment because he couldn't face the potential outcome and wanted his daughter and himself to be able to spend more time with Ziggy.

Ziggy eventually died from a stomach tumour, and Trebert was charged with three alternative charges of not properly looking after his animal. It was also argued he had not properly fed the cat or looked after it correctly in other ways that were expected of an owner.

He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but later changed his plea. 

"Animals can bring great pleasure, but ownership of them is also a privilege which brings with it responsibilities. You may have loved this animal but that is not a substitute for proper care," Judge Graeme McKerrell said.

"Owners should be expected to check their pets and keep a look out for any signs of ill health. If they cannot afford the correct treatment, then they should not make the commitment in the first place, and if their situation changes, they should seek health from a charitable route."

In a letter to the court, Trebert said he did not believe in Euthanasia, and that is why he did not take Ziggy for treatment, but Judge McKerrell said if he could not accept that it was part of owning an animal, he should not own one at all.