An Islington man has been charged with animal cruelty offences after a number of dead cats were found in public spaces. 

Concerns were raised by members of the public after the cats were discovered in the vicinity of Pleydell Estate between September 2022 and February 2023. 

Plain clothes officers were subsequently deployed to the area to carry out overnight patrols. 

David Avhanvhondo, 56, of King Square, Islington, was arrested on February 12 on suspicion of the animal cruelty offences.  

He was then charged the following day with carrying out a prohibited procedure on a protected animal, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. 

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He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on February 13, where he entered not guilty pleas. 

He will appear at the same court on February 28. 

Officers are asking anyone who believes they have relevant information to call 101, providing the reference 2701641/23.