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Couple Fined $18,000 for Starving Cat to Death
13 Oct
Summary
- Couple fined $18,000 for starving 12-year-old cat
- Cat had to be euthanized after severe neglect
- Couple banned from owning animals for 2 years
In August 2025, a couple in Wollongong, Australia were held accountable for the tragic death of their 12-year-old cat, Princess. Craig, 38, and Rebecca Donnelly, 36, were fined a total of $18,000 and banned from owning or caring for animals for 2 years after pleading guilty to charges of neglect.
According to the facts presented in court, an RSPCA inspector discovered Princess locked in the bathroom of the Donnellys' home, severely emaciated and living in squalor. The cat had been confined to the filthy bathroom without food or water for 4 weeks, with her litter tray overflowing. Despite the best efforts of veterinary staff, Princess had to be euthanized due to the severe anxiety and distress she developed as a result of the ordeal.
The Magistrate presiding over the case rejected the Donnellys' excuse that they were unable to return home due to a sick child, noting that their new property was just a 10-minute drive away. "There's no excuse. No sentence will make up for what happened to the cat," the Magistrate said, emphasizing the importance of providing proper care for companion animals.
