EXCLUSIVE: Man admits disembowelling cat and removing an eye - mental health tests before sentence

A MAN has admitted to sickening acts of mutilation on a cat.

The man, 21, from Harrow, in west London, appeared at Willesden Magistrates' Court yesterday (Sat) where he indicated a guilty plea to one count of causing unnecessary suffering to the animal on July 25 this year.

The charge reads: "On 25/07/2022 at London Borough of Harrow caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a cat, by an act, namely disembowelment, removal of kidneys and an eye ball, and you knew or ought reasonably to have known that the act would have that effect or be likely to do so Contrary to sections 4(1) and 32(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006."

He also admitted a separate count of carrying out a procedure which was prohibited by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, namely mutilation on the same day.

The court heard he disembowelled the animal and removed its kidneys and one eye.

The offences were committed while he was under a suspended prison sentence for an earlier assault which was issued by Harrow Crown Court on March 25 this year.

He was bailed with a curfew to stay at his home between 8pm and 8am to return to the magistrates' court in September.

A mental health assessment is being considered by the court.