Stamford dog owner faces trial over two cat attacks

Michelle Burrows, 53, of Cherryholt Road, Stamford, appeared in court on Wednesday to face two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal contrary to sections 4(1) and 32(10) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

During a brief hearing at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, she pleaded not guilty to both charges.

It is alleged that on July 3 last year, Burrows failed to keep her two Jack Russells under control, knowing they had a propensity to attack cats, resulting in a cat called Bruce being attacked, and she knew or ought reasonably to have known that the failure would have that effect, or be likely to do so.

It is further alleged that on October 14 last year, again knowing her dogs had a propensity to attack cats, she failed to keep them under control, resulting in a cat called Sabre being attacked, resulting in its eventual euthanasia.

Following the not guilty pleas, magistrates adjourned the case until July 7 when Burrows will stand trial. The trial will take place at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.

William Powell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said he intends to call up to seven witnesses to give evidence in the case.

Sarah Acres, defending Burrows, said her client will claim the attacks were not forseeable and she could not have known the risks were there.

The court heard an animal behaviour expert will be instructed to write a report for the defence.

Burrows was released on unconditional bail.