Huntingdon: Jail For Putting Cat In Dryer

13 November 2012, 15:34 | Updated: 13 November 2012, 16:11

A Huntingdon man who put his cat in a tumble dryer, switched it on and posted a video online has been jailed for 56 days.

23 year old Allan Staughton, from Saunders Close in Huntingdon, was also banned from keeping animals for life at Huntingdon Magistrate's Court today (Tuesday).

Staughton admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the animal, and told RSPCA inspectors he thought the incident was 'funny' when first questioned about it.

Magistrates were told the cat, named Princess, would have been severely traumatised by the ordeal and it would have been like 'torture'.

Princess suffered a broken tooth and a tongue injury in the incident at Staughton’s home.

Magistrates saw film of the cat being put into the machine as Staughton said it was going for “a tumble” and the machine was turned on with the cat spinning inside for 12 seconds before Staughton opened the door.

The cat was on its back in the bottom of the machine with its legs in the door and meowed.

Staughton then spun it twice more.

Staughton suffers from ADHD and a conduct disorder. 

The cat had belonged to Staughton’s partner of four and a half years.

The relationship broke down over the incident and he moved out.

The RSPCA has now found a loving new home for Princess.