Cat was left home alone in Barnoldswick

10:50am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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A MAN who moved from Barnoldwick to Blackburn but left his cat behind has been fined £1,000.

Simon Roberts, 29, of Green Park Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of the ginger and white tom called Fudge, during a hearing at Burnley Magistrates' Court.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £1,000 fine.

After the case, RSPCA inspector Katherine Hamblin said: "What this man did was completely irresponsible. People must meet the needs of their animals by law, and failing to do so is an offence."

The RSPCA attended Mr Roberts' previous address at Gisburn Street, Barnoldswick, after a call from a concerned member of the public.

The property was sealed up by the RSPCA for six days, during which time the seals remained unbroken.

But Fudge was letting himself in and out through an open window.

A neighbour, who was feeding the cat, managed to confine him for collection.

"Fortunately Fudge was in good health when we found him but if it hadn't been for the call to us, and the neighbour's support, it might have been a different story," added Inspector Hamblin.

In mitigation, the court heard that Roberts had been returning to tend to the cat, but thought it had 'gone'.

"It's clear that he didn't look very far," Inspector Hamblin said.

• Anyone who has concerns that an animal is suffering should call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty hotline on 0300 1234 999.