A MAN has been banned for life from keeping animals after he killed a cat by putting it in a washing machine and then dumped it near a Bradford cemetery.

Robert Lay, of Heywood, Rochdale, was told by his then-girlfriend to place the animal, named Buddy, on a wash cycle or they would break-up, a court heard this afternoon.

The 32-year-old, who is disabled, committed the offence at an address in Queensbury on February 11 of last year.

Phillip Brown, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said the facts show an individual had committed a “sadistic act of cruelty”.

Tony Birchall said Lay took the cat to the cemetery in an attempt to "put things right".

Mr Brown told the court that a woman, who was out walking her children, had noted a man acting suspiciously near Queensbury cemetery.

When the woman returned the next day, she found a dead black cat in the bushes.

Following enquiries on social media, it was found that the cat belonged to a local resident who was too “devastated” and “traumatised” to provide a statement to the court.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The washing machine that was usedThe washing machine that was used (Image: RSPCA)After the cat was recovered by the RSPCA, it was found to have suffered injuries consistent with blunt trauma, skin lacerations, and rib fractures.

A report conducted by Dr Shaun Taylor said the cat suffered from fear, distress and pain for several minutes before its death.

It had attempted to claw at the drum as it was going around on a program ‘likely of high heat’ in the washing machine.

Messages from a group chat showed Lay had said he had committed the act because the cat had scratched him and his girlfriend at the time had told him to do so or else she would end their relationship.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Lay dumped the cat near Queensbury CemeteryLay dumped the cat near Queensbury Cemetery (Image: RSPCA)Mr Birchall admitted this was a “disturbing and difficult case”.

The court was told Lay had associated with a group while living in alternative accommodation to where he is now.

Mr Birchall claimed the group, who Lay thought were his friends, took advantage of his significant disabilities, taunted and teased him, and preyed on him for money.

After considering his mitigation, the magistrates gave Lay a sentence of 14 weeks which was suspended for 12 months.

He must also complete 30 RAR days and must pay a total of £554.

Speaking directly to Lay, Janet Stanyer, chair of the magistrates for the case, said: “You are not going to prison.”

She added: “Stay well out of trouble!”