Andrew Shephard, 59, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to three of his daughter’s pet kittens. The distressing incident took place last November when Shephard, while intoxicated, threw the kittens into the River Thames from Twickenham Bridge in southwest London.
Witnesses reported hearing Shephard shout phrases such as “let them die” and “I want them to die” as he cast the cats into the water. Police responded to calls following the incident, with one kitten being saved before hitting the water, and the other two found wet but alive, though severely distressed. The animals were described by officers as being in shock, with their body temperatures dropping below 33°C.
Shephard’s daughter had entrusted him with the kittens to help rehome them, unaware of his intentions. During his court appearance at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on February 17, Shephard expressed remorse and stated he was heavily intoxicated at the time, claiming he did not understand what drove his actions.
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Prosecutor Manisha Kukadia emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting the deliberate intention to harm the animals and the aggravating role alcohol played. The magistrate acknowledged the severity of the case and stated that it met the threshold for custody.
Despite this, Shephard was sentenced to 17 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to undertake 30 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, he must pay £154 in surcharge fees and £85 in court costs. The probation service indicated a positive outlook for his rehabilitation.