Dr Candy d'Sa BSc(Hons) MSc PhD
25th August 2010 - 6th February 2013
We lost our beloved cat Louie very recently. He was shot with an air rifle very close to our home in the Ashdell Park area of Alton, East Hampshire, and despite expert veterinary care had to be put to sleep 24 hours later. My family and I are devastated.
We have evidence that a close neighbour is responsible for this horrible attack, but apparently not tangible enough evidence for the police to make an arrest. Their resources are limited so they will not take this any further. Another neighbour's cat was also shot in the same location a few months ago; fortunately she survived. Aside from the unimaginable pain and distress caused to Louie and the other cat, it is a criminal offence to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal (Animal Welfare Act 2006 and Criminal Damage Act 1971). Cats are not among the mammal species listed as "pests" which can legally be shot using air weapons.
We would like to express our thanks to our neighbours Mr and Mrs Epps who found Louie on their driveway and took him to the local veterinary surgery. Also to the staff at Cedar Vets in Alton and Four Marks for their emergency care, and to the specialist team at Anderson Moores. We are also so grateful to our friends and family for their kindness and support.
For the past ten years I have been treating behavioural problems in dogs, cats and other companion animals. My experience, coupled with a sound scientific knowledge ensures that you and your pet receive a professional service.
As well as dealing with behaviour problems, I also assess pets whose owners wish to foster, adopt or mind children and need to meet agency safety requirements. In addition, I provide Expert Witness services for owners facing prosecution due to their pet's behaviour, as well as identification of prohibited breeds, and regularly attend court to give live evidence.
I am based in east Hampshire and also cover parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex, London and the remaining Home Counties. For legal work my range is nationwide.
My own pets include Ellie, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Louie, a Domestic Shorthair cat and Mister Ky, an African Grey parrot.