Pc cleared over cat's spade death

Staffordshire Police Federation has criticised the prosecution

A policeman who used a spade to kill a badly injured cat which had been run over in Stoke-on-Trent has been found not guilty of cruelty.

The RSPCA brought the prosecution against Pc Jonathon Bell, who said he put the injured pet out of its misery by hitting it over the head four times.

Staffs Police Federation said the RSPCA should not have pursued the case, which was heard at Fenton Magistrates' Court.

The RSPCA said it was deciding whether there were grounds for an appeal.

Public interest?

In a statement, the charity said: "In light of today's (Monday's) decision the RSPCA is seeking legal advice, particularly with regard to the conduct of the hearing, in order to establish whether or not there are grounds to appeal.

"Until any decision as to the future is made we cannot comment any further."

The incident happened in Hanley in April 2004.

Mark Judson, the chairman of Staffordshire Police Federation, said: "I'm disappointed in the fact that I'm sure it could have been dealt with in a much different way.

"Was this prosecution in the public interest? In my humble opinion, no it wasn't."