Animal rescue complete as Hertfordshire Cat Sanctuary founder begins ban on keeping animals
The owner of Cat Survival Trust, Terrence Moore was disqualified from keeping animals for at least five years
Last updated 24th Jan 2025
The founder of a cat sanctuary in Hertfordshire, who was found guilty of animal neglect charges, has had a minimum five year ban from keeping animals come into force.
The owner of Cat Survival Trust, Terrence Moore was disqualified from keeping animals for at least five years and ordered to pay costs of £14,380 on May 30 2024, according to Hertfordshire Constabulary.
The ban was suspended ahead of a further court date, with sentencing finalised yesterday at St Albans Crown Court.
Moore, 78, of Codicote Road, Welwyn, in Hertfordshire, was found guilty of four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals by failing to seek proper and necessary veterinary care, and seven counts of using an endangered animal species for commercial gain without a licence following a trial at St Albans Crown Court in April and May last year.
Moore was convicted on animal welfare charges related to a Wildcat named Hamish, a Bengal Cat named Jasmine, a Jungle Cat named Lily and an unnamed Caracal.
The force added Moore was acquitted of eight counts of causing unnecessary suffering, and four counts of commercial gain.
The animals at the Trust, have all been rehomed where possible, with Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent stepping in to help feed, care for and vaccinate the animals.
Sadly, Hertfordshire Police confirmed a small number of the animals had to be euthanised due to significant health issues.
The 12-acre site was first investigated in February 2022, with the National Wildlife Crime Unit submitting intelligence on the Trust.
It was found untidy, unclean and with products being used to treat animals, that were only recommended for human use.
It was found a vet hadn't attended the site in many years.
Food preparation areas, water bowls, safety and cleanliness of living circumstances were also found to be inadequate.
Officers also seized around 26 carcasses from freezers that were used to store animals for long periods of time instead of being dispatched for cremation.
Detective Constable Beth Talbot, from the North Herts Local Crime Unit and who led the investigation, said:
“I am pleased the jury reached a guilty verdict on a number of counts in what has been a complex and unique case.
“It is clear from the evidence that the Cat Survival Trust was poorly run. Terrence Moore knew how endangered these species were, understood their vulnerability to exploitation and should have been there to protect them. However, several animals at the site were in a sorry state and suffered at the hands of a man who should have looked after them.
“This case showed how Moore had a distaste for modern veterinary medicine and failed to hold accurate records of his animals, some of which face extinction in the wild. The sanctuary should have been a safe haven. I would also like to extend a thanks to the Royal Veterinary College who assisted in conducting post-mortem examinations on the animals as part of this case.
“I am pleased the vast majority of the remaining animals will now be able find a new forever home thanks to Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor in CPS Thames and Chiltern, Jan Muller, added:
"Moore exploited some of the animals in his care, leaving them to suffer unnecessarily.
“Evidence showed him failing to source much-needed medical help for some of the big cats he was responsible for.
“These animals were forced to live in squalor and Moore neglected them to such an extent that some died from illnesses that could have been treated.
“Where there is evidence and it is in the public interest, we will not hesitate to prosecute people for offences like this.”