An Edinburgh man who caused his cat, Tiga, unnecessary suffering has been given a community payback order of 85 hours unpaid work and has been disqualified from owning any animal for ten years following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

Frith Mitchell, 44, of New Street, Musselburgh was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 26 June.

Mitchell pled guilty to causing Tiga unnecessary suffering through failing to provide a suitable diet and failing to seek veterinary treatment.

Commenting on the investigation and court case, Scottish SPCA Inspector Stephanie McCrossan said, “Tiga was in a very poor skeletal condition, he was dragging his leg, which was protruding at an awkward angle, across the floor as he walked and it was clear he was in urgent need of veterinary treatment.

“After taking Tiga to the vet we found out that he had several health issues which would have caused him to suffer unnecessarily for a prolonged period of time due to his owner failing to seek the necessary veterinary treatment he clearly required.

“Unfortunately the vet made the decision to put him to sleep due to the severity of his conditions.

“We are pleased that Mitchell has been dealt with by the courts and hope he will give serious consideration to his ability to care for animals in the future.”

Photo by Scottish SPCA

 

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.