A man and woman have appeared in court over alleged abuse of two cats which were left with fractured ribs in Watford.
Wayne Joseph, 46, and Tracy Wardle, 44, spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth, and addresses at St Albans Magistrates’ Court this afternoon (August 12).
The defendants’ separate solicitors sought adjournments for consideration of financial matters and a potential representation order.
Mark Jones, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, did not object to this but asked that the adjournment be kept short.
Each defendant is charged with four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal in the town. One charge is for between May 2023 and August 2025, while the others are for date ranges within 2025.
Joseph, of Jacob Mews, Stanmore, allegedly caused suffering “by the infliction of physical abuse and non-accidental injury” to two cats named Athena and Marley and failed to provide “prompt and effective” professional veterinary care for signs and symptoms of their injuries, according to court documents.
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Meanwhile, Wardle, of Anthony Close, Watford, allegedly permitted or failed to prevent the unnecessary suffering and also failed to provide the veterinary care.
Documents add that the injuries were a rib fracture to Athena, a female Bengal type cat, and fractures to the ribs and legs of Marley, a male cat.
The pair were granted unconditional bail and are next due to appear at the same court on September 23.
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