A vicious cat killer slit the neck of his pet and buried her to conceal the fact that he had fractured her leg in a fit of rage.
Last year, Adam Alkour killed Darwin, a six-year-old cat, with a razor and was sentenced to six months in prison and barred from owning animals for life.
The 32-year-old let the cat bleed to death before going six miles to bury her because the cat’s previous owners were unable to care for her.
The Newcastle Magistrates’ Court was informed that Alkour was experiencing a mental health crisis when he struck Darwin with such force that he broke her leg.
Alkour reportedly killed the cat two days after he was unable to schedule a medical appointment for her out of fear that the veterinarian would discover what he had done.
Adam Alkour, seen above in July outside the Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, admits to killing his cat.
Alex Bousfield, the prosecutor for the RSPCA, stated in court, “This case involves the physical torture and unlawful homicide of a black-and-white cat named Darwin.” To escape detection, he fractured her leg, slit her neck, and buried her body.
In November of last year, Alkour of Grafton House, Byker, Newcastle, wrote a message to his buddy informing him that his cat had died, to which the friend responded with condolences.
In January, Alkour sent a second message stating that he broke her leg “in a fit of rage” and was afraid the vet would find out if he took her for treatment, so he killed her.
Mr. Bousfield stated, “He then stated that he had travelled six miles to bury the cat and returned the next day to rebury it because the ground was frozen.”
When questioned by the RSPCA, Alkour admitted to murdering Darwin and expressed regret, adding that he ‘didn’t butcher her’.
Mr. Bousfield stated, “He described seizing a blade and slitting her throat.” She was wrapped in a towel, and he remained with her till she passed away.
The court heard that he claimed Darwin was scared of him, and a veterinarian testified that the injury would have caused Darwin tremendous agony and stress, the duration of which would have depended on the wound’s depth, which was unclear because Darwin’s body was never located.
Alkour, who has nine prior convictions, including burglary and cannabis possession with intent to distribute, pleaded guilty to three offenses: causing unnecessary suffering, failing to provide veterinary care for the broken leg, and failing to protect her from pain, suffering, injury, or disease.
He was sentenced to six months in prison and permanently barred from having animals.
Recorder Mark McKone KC informed him, “All cases of animal cruelty are serious.” This is a grave case of animal cruelty.
The public expects pet owners to be friendly to their animals, not cruel. Pets are vulnerable.’
Here is a photo of six-year-old Darwin, whose throat was slashed with a razor by Alkour after her abusive owner damaged her leg.
The judge continued, “The public would be incensed if a prison sentence were not issued under these circumstances. People must be aware that if they are cruel to animals in a severe manner, the courts will impose a prison sentence.’
Oliver Connor, representing the defendant, stated, “He found himself in a situation where the cat was dropped on him.” Mr. Alkour did not intend to get a cat; nonetheless, when her previous owners were unable to care for her, he took her in. He provided care for her for almost six months.
He has genuine regret. He had been abstinent from substance and drug abuse for quite some time.’
The court heard that he suffers from an emotionally unstable personality disorder and that he “freaked out” and acted “panicked.”
Previously, he had taken Darwin to the veterinarian, and a few days before he killed her, he had called the RPSCA for assistance, claiming he couldn’t handle the situation.
The court heard that he had a difficult upbringing, was homeless, and was under the care of a psychiatrist and psychologist.