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Case #10679 Rating: 1.0 out of 5
Deaf cat killed in washing machine
Old Colwyn, WA (UK)Incident Date: Saturday, Jul 8, 2006
Disposition: Convicted
Defendant/Suspect: Diane Hannon
A woman who killed her boyfriend's cat by putting it in a washing machine walked free from court today.
Diane Hannon, 42, of Old Colwyn, North Wales, put the deaf cat, called Paws, on a full cycle after arguing with her partner.
The six-year-old cat suffered a massive heart attack, severe burns and loss of fur during the ordeal, which the RSPCA described as "the worst act of deliberate cruelty".
Hannon was given a four month suspended sentence, a lifetime ban from owning animals and ordered to pay £300 costs at Llandudno Magistrates Court.
She admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and a further charge of cruelly ill-treating an animal, at an earlier hearing.
Hannon killed Paws when she was cat-sitting at her boyfriend Duncan Carthy's flat while he visited his son on July 8 2006.
The pair had argued about Mr Carthy's ex-wife and his children from his first marriage.
Mr Carthy found his dead pet in the washing machine when he returned home. Hannon laughed and hung up when he phoned her.
He later found a note she had written on the back of the envelope, saying "I hate you".
Hannon's defence lawyers have claimed she suffers from psychiatric problems and was involved in an abusive relationship with Mr Carthy.
RSPCA Inspector Kevin Paton said: "In all my years as an RSPCA inspector, this is the worst act of deliberate cruelty I have ever seen.
"I am pleased that the defendant has been given a lifetime ban from owning animals and this sends a strong signal to the public that animal cruelty will not be tolerated. " References
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