A local man has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after admitting offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 linked to the treatment of his pet cat.
Court hearing and charges
David Wallis, 36, appeared at Slough Magistrates' Court on 19 June 2026. He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and failing in his duty of care to an animal after the case was brought by Slough Borough Council following a report in August 2025.
How the case began
A member of the public contacted authorities after seeing a young ginger cat at a property on Wexham Road that was visibly in distress. The cat, later named Jackson, was observed limping, holding one front leg at an awkward angle and "
crying out in pain". When the council's animal welfare officer visited, Jackson could not put weight on the injured front leg.
Veterinary findings and treatment
Veterinary examination found a complete fracture of the right front leg which had begun to heal at an abnormal angle. Experts told the council that had prompt veterinary treatment been provided it was likely the leg could have been straightened and splinted and the cat given pain relief. Because of the severity and the stage of healing by the time the cat was examined, the only remaining options were either amputation or euthanasia. Wallis said the injury resulted from the cat jumping from a kitchen cupboard and said he had considered taking Jackson to a vet but had not done so because he could not afford treatment. He subsequently signed ownership of the cat over to the council, enabling surgery to proceed.
Investigation and expert opinion
Veterinary experts later indicated the pattern of injury was unlikely to have been caused by a cupboard jump. They reported it was more consistent with:
- a fall from height,
- something falling on the cat, or
- being trodden on.
Wallis did not engage with the subsequent investigation, which led to prosecution proceedings.
Sentence and orders
The magistrates imposed a 10-year disqualification from keeping animals. In addition, Wallis received a 12-month community order which includes:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Unpaid work | 100 hours |
| Rehabilitation activity | 15 days |
| Mental health treatment | 12 sessions |
He was also ordered to pay a total of £5,674 in costs and surcharges.
Local enforcement and public responsibility
The case underlines the role of the council's animal welfare team in responding to public reports and securing veterinary care when owners do not. It also highlights the legal duties of animal owners under the Animal Welfare Act to seek prompt veterinary attention when an animal is injured or in pain. The council has powers to pursue prosecutions where those duties are not met.
Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal can report it to Slough Borough Council’s animal welfare service for assessment and possible intervention.
