States investigate cat cruelty claim

Wednesday 21 October 2015

An animal cruelty investigation has been launched after a cat was apparently spotted being beaten to death on the side of the road at the weekend.

More than 3,500 people have signed an online petition calling for a change in the law after a woman driver was allegedly seen cruelly killing the cat after she'd knocked it over.

The woman is said to have got out of the car and tried to strangle it to death before bashing its head with a piece of metal until it died.

Environment Minister Steve Luce has confirmed that an animal cruelty investigation has now begun.

In response to questions in the States from Deputy Scott Wickenden, he said: “My department has received an allegation of animal cruelty and the Animal Welfare (Jersey) Law 2004 that we administer does provide protection for all animals.

“I have asked the States’ Vet to investigate and we are in the first stages of that, so I am not able to elaborate as I would not wish to prejudice any part of that investigation."

States Vet Linda Lowseck said: “The Animal Welfare (Jersey) Law 2004 states it is an offence for a person without reasonable cause or excuse to do or omit to do any act so as to cause unnecessary suffering to a domestic or captive animal  which may be considered to place a duty on anyone who identifies an injured animal to act to prevent unnecessary suffering.”

More than 3,500 people signed the petition set up at the weekend by cat lover Sandra Jasmins from St Lawrence supporting calls to give cats the same status as dogs and make it illegal to hit a cat and just drive off.

In Jersey, as in the UK, you have to stop and report an accident involving a dog to the police, but you don't have to tell them if you've hit a cat.

Sandra said: “I'm extremely surprised how much support we are getting, I hear a lot of people saying "I don't like cats" but those same people have signed the petition, it's incredible that we reached 3000 in 24hours.”

Deputy Peter McLinton who is also a cat lover has agreed to represent Sandra and bring the petition before the States Assembly on 3 November.