A WOMAN whose treatment of cats caused their death has been allowed to walk free from court.

Carrie Anne Renwick’s lack of adequate care resulted in the death of seven cats, Warrington Magistrates’ Court heard.

However, the 53-year-old was told her custodial sentence could be suspended, meaning she is not going to prison on this occasion.

She appeared before a judge after being charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and not taking steps to ensure the needs of an animal were met.

The court heard that the offences took place between December 20 last year and July 5 this year in Runcorn.

Between these dates, Renwick caused unnecessary suffering to seven cats by failing to investigate and address the cause of the animals’ poor bodily condition, weight loss and death.

The court heard that she knew or ought reasonably to have known that the failure would have that effect.

In addition, she did not take such steps as were reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of the cats, for which she was responsible, were met, to the extent required by good practice.

The court heard that the animals littered with rubbish, urine and faeces, and that she did not provide a clean and dry resting place with adequate toileting and fresh clean drinking water and food.

Before sentencing, deputy district judge Price highlighted that only a custodial sentence was appropriate in this case due to the nature and seriousness of the offences.

It was also said that the defendant caused ‘prolonged suffering to seven cats resulting in their death’.

However, taking her guilty pleas into account, the judge said that the suspension of the custodial sentence was possible and appropriate.

Renwick, of Meadow Rose in Runcorn, was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months.

She must also comply with an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement for the next 120 days and complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

In addition, an order was made to disqualify the defendant from owning or keeping animals for the next 10 years.

She was also told she must pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £154 and court costs of £150.