A man has been banned from keeping cats for five years after his pet was found with an untreated injury so severe her tail had to be amputated.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lily the cat, before treatment by the RSPCALily the cat, before treatment by the RSPCA (Image: Archant)

Paul Wenlock, 43, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a tortoiseshell cat named Lily when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday November 16).

The RSPCA was called in August after Lily was found by a member of the public with a “de-gloved” tail – a term used to describe where the skin had been ripped off the flesh.

It is believed she had been suffering with the untreated and very painful injury since a traffic accident several months before.

As well as the ban Wenlock, of Medway, Maldon, was given a suspended prison sentence of four months, ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work, and pay £1,056 in costs and fines.

Caroline Richardson, RSPCA inspector, said: “Poor Lily was in great pain and is likely to have been in this state for several months.

“Her tail had no skin or fur – it was just one red raw wound. And she left a trail of blood behind her.

“The defendant had taken her to a vet with the injury in April and said a car had driven over the tail. Then he failed to take her back to the vet or treat the painful injury in any way.

“Lily had to have her tail amputated as it was in such a bad state – but has otherwise made a good recovery and is now looking for a new home.

“She is such a gentle-natured girl, who likes to have a fuss made of her and so deserves a loving new home with owners who will not let her suffer like this again.”

Anyone keen to rehome Lily should contact the RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre on 0300 123 0740.