Man Who Threw Kittens Into River Thames Gets Suspended Sentence

Published: 18 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A 59‑year‑old man who drunkenly threw his daughter’s pet kittens off a bridge into the River Thames has been sentenced at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, in a case that horrified onlookers and drew sharp condemnation from animal welfare advocates. The incident, which took place last November, saw the man tip a box containing three young cats into the water while shouting “let them die” and “I want them to die,” court heard.

The defendant, Andrew Shephard, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after the dramatic episode on Twickenham Bridge in south‑west London. Members of the public who witnessed the incident immediately alerted police, and officers found the animals — one rescued mid‑fall and the other two “wet and muddy” but alive and in shock beside the riverbank.

Prosecutor Manisha Kukadia told the court that the attack on the kittens was “extreme and deliberate in nature,” and stressed that the defendant’s use of alcohol at the time was an aggravating factor. Shephard later told police he felt “bad about the situation,” had shown remorse, and claimed he was “very drunk” when he committed the act and did not understand “what came over me.”

Magistrate Elizabeth Evans JP said the offence was serious enough to cross “the custody threshold,” but ruled that Shephard’s sentence would be suspended rather than immediate imprisonment. He was given a 17‑week prison term, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 30 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements. Additionally, he must pay a £154 surcharge and £85 in costs.

The three kittens — later named River, Happy and Lucky — were rescued after the incident and have since been rehomed. Two of the cats are now living with new owners in Chiswick, while the third was adopted in Suffolk, with their survival highlighting the quick response by members of the public and police officers.

The case has reignited discussions about animal cruelty laws in the UK, with campaigners arguing that even suspended sentences send a mixed message about how seriously such offences are taken. They emphasise that animals are protected under law from unnecessary suffering, and that violent or reckless acts against vulnerable creatures warrant strong legal deterrents.

Read More At>>