A PENZANCE woman has been jailed for causing unnecessary harm to an elderly cat in contravention of a lifetime ban on keeping pets previously issued in 2018.

Sharon Elizabeth Wood, 53, of Polmeere Road, Penzance, appeared at Truro Magistrates court for sentencing on February 11 after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a 17-year-old cat called Tigger, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

Wood admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between February 7, 2024 and March 20, 2024 at her home in Penzance by failing to provide veterinary care for Tigger.

She also pleaded guilty to breaching the lifetime imposed on her after her previous conviction in 2018 and of breaching her suspended sentence. As a result, she was sent to prison for 17 weeks.

In their report, the vet who examined Tigger, said: “He was presented in need of veterinary attention - and this should have been sought as soon as his symptoms appeared. He would have been suffering without medical intervention and suitable management.

“He had severe hind leg paresis with reduced motor function and weakness and ataxia, and inability to coordinate the limbs of both hind legs. He has required ongoing management for pain, and medicines to help him urinate properly.”

Alongside the prison sentence, and the lifetime animal ban, which she can not appeal for 15 years, she was ordered to pay £600 and a £154 victim surcharge.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Pearson, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Tigger needed care and attention from a vet. He was in pain and needed help but instead was left to suffer for a prolonged period.”

Tigger, who regained the use of his back legs, was signed over into RSPCA care and has since been adopted.