Bodmin, Cornwall – A couple from St Austell, Cornwall, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being convicted of prolonged neglect that led to the death of several pets, including a cat named Badger. Keiron Stapleton, 34, and Lucia Wills, 27, both residents of Chapel Field, were sentenced by Bodmin Magistrates’ Court following an investigation by the RSPCA.
The court heard that Stapleton and Wills failed to provide adequate care for their pets, which included five cats, despite being advised by officials. The neglect resulted in significant suffering for the animals.
Stapleton received a 10-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, while Wills was handed a 13-week sentence, also suspended for 18 months. Both have been banned from keeping animals for the next 10 years. The court also ordered the seizure of their remaining pets, including a dog and a cat, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The charges against Stapleton revealed multiple instances of neglect. On or before August 24, 2023, at Rodda Close in Gunnislake, Cornwall, Stapleton failed to meet the needs of a domestic cat named Badger by not providing a suitable environment or adequate care. Similar charges were brought against him for neglecting another cat by September 4, 2023, and three additional cats by September 19, 2023. Stapleton pleaded guilty on June 26, 2024.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Stapleton was ordered to pay a £154 surcharge to fund victim services and £400 in costs.
Wills faced similar charges. The court found that she failed to provide a suitable environment and adequate care for Badger by August 24, 2023, and for another cat by September 4, 2023. By September 19, 2023, she had also neglected three other cats. The charges against Wills were proven in her absence on May 29, 2024.
Wills was also ordered to pay a £154 surcharge and £400 in costs.
The case highlights the severe consequences of neglecting animals, with the court imposing strict penalties to prevent future offenses by the couple.
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