A couple who left their cat with such a bad tumour that it had to be put down have been handed a community order.

RSPCA officers visited the home of Margaret and Philip Redman in Borstal Street, Rochester, on Saturday, March 9.

They found that their cat Misty had a tumour on her mouth which had teeth embedded into it which was making it difficult for her to eat.

The cat also had matter hair which had faeces and discharge from the tumour in it.

Mrs Redman, 57, told the officers that they had delayed taking the cat to the vets because she feared it would be put to sleep.

The couple pleaded guilty to failing in their duty to ensure welfare, and two counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal at a hearing at Medway Magistrates Court on June 5.

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence review into the couple's circumstances.

Their solicitor, a Miss Holland, successfully argued that the couple were unsuitable for community sentences where there would be a possibility of carrying out unpaid work.

Mr and Mrs Redman were handed a community order when the case returned to court on Thursday, July 18.

They were asked to attend a rehabilitation course over 10 days, and pay £300 costs.

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