Barry Man Jailed After Cat Dies from Abuse Injuries

A Barry man has been sentenced to jail and banned from keeping animals after abusing his two cats, one of which died from severe injuries. 😿

Daniel Bradley Jones, 27, of Northcote Terrace, Barry, took his cat Maisey to the vet in September 2023, claiming he had accidentally stood on her. Jones said Maisey had been crying and making a paddling motion with her legs. Sadly, Maisey was already dead on arrival, with a wet coat.

According to the RSPCA, veterinary examination revealed “significant trauma consistent with being trodden or stamped on with considerable force.” Maisey had suffered chest trauma, bruising to her jaw, a protruding left eye, and blood in her mouth. X-rays showed fractures to her shoulder blade, a broken rib, and a collapsed lung.

In November 2023, Jones brought his other cat, Odin, to the same vet. He initially claimed Odin had run into an Xbox on a shelf three days earlier, later changing his story to say the Xbox was on the floor. Odin was soaking wet and hypothermic, suffering from head and spinal trauma.

In both cases, Jones claimed he had bathed the cats despite veterinary advice against this, as they had shown nervous behaviour when held.

A veterinary report concluded that the severity of injuries sustained by both cats was inconsistent with Jones’ explanations. An expert determined both cats had suffered as a result of physical abuse, with Maisey likely dying from respiratory failure due to chest trauma and her fractured rib.

Jones pleaded guilty to three Animal Welfare Act offences and was sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 25, following an RSPCA investigation and prosecution.

The court heard mitigation that Jones had mental health issues linked to cannabis use. He was sentenced to 40 weeks in jail and ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge. Additionally, he received a five-year ban on keeping any pets.

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson said: “Both of these kittens were presented at the vets on numerous occasions with different injuries caused whilst in the care of Jones and no doubt inflicted by Jones. Maisie unfortunately lost her life as a result of the abuse she suffered but due to the concerns of the veterinary practice Odin (who has since been rehomed) was protected from further harm. These were two young and vulnerable kittens who relied on Jones to care for them. This type of abuse will always be investigated and justice will be sought to prevent further animals being harmed.”