Oxford Academic and Partner Convicted Over Neglected Rabbit
An Oxford University professor and his civil servant partner have been found guilty of animal cruelty offences after their pet rabbit was discovered in a horrific state, infested with maggots and close to death. Professor Anders Kock, 41, who lectures in economics, and Xiaoyu Tian, 40, were prosecuted for failing to provide necessary veterinary care for their seven-year-old rabbit, Beano.
Shocking Discovery in Oxford Home
The case came to light when RSPCA Inspector Prisca Giddens visited the couple's terraced home near Oxford's historic university buildings on August 19 last year. The visit followed a report about a white rabbit apparently suffering from fly strike. Inspector Giddens found Beano unresponsive in a small outdoor kennel. The court heard that Tian admitted they had taken the rabbit to a vet who advised that euthanasia was the kindest option due to the animal's poor condition, but they had refused this advice.
During the inspection, a distressing scene unfolded. The inspector stated that the rabbit was very close to death and needed immediate veterinary attention to be put to sleep. However, Tian physically prevented the inspector from touching the animal, becoming upset and shouting, which further distressed the rabbit. Tragically, Beano stopped breathing and died during the visit.
Horrific Extent of Suffering Revealed
Following Beano's death, Inspector Giddens examined the body and discovered the shocking extent of the neglect. The rabbit's rear was heavily infested with maggots, with his back legs wet with urine and faeces. A huge area of his body had no skin at all, and fur was detached where maggots had eaten through the skin and were burrowing into his flesh.
The inspector reported: 'The rabbit's genitals appeared to have been eaten by maggots and there were hundreds crawling in and out of his flesh. There were also many extremely large maggots that led me to believe they had been eating the rabbit alive for a long time, possibly days.'
A veterinary professional confirmed that the presence of adult maggots indicated the rabbit had suffered unnecessarily for approximately a week. He stated that the condition would have been extremely painful and that by declining euthanasia, the owners had prolonged the animal's suffering. The vet added that if the rabbit had been brought for treatment a week earlier, it might possibly have been saved.
Court Outcome and Sentencing
After a trial, both defendants were found guilty of one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for failing to seek necessary veterinary treatment and for disregarding professional advice to have the rabbit put to sleep. The case concluded at Oxford Magistrates' Court on October 31.
Professor Kock, originally from Aarhus, Denmark and a fellow of St Hilda's College, was fined £2,000. Tian, who described herself in court as a civil servant, received a £1,000 penalty. Both defendants were ordered to pay £500 costs, with Kock also required to pay an £800 victim surcharge and Tian a £400 surcharge. The court heard mitigation that neither defendant had previous convictions or had been subject to earlier RSPCA investigations. No disqualifications were imposed on future animal ownership.
Speaking after the hearing, Inspector Giddens emphasised: 'The defendants ignored expert veterinary advice when the kindest thing to do would have been to have had their rabbit put to sleep. By not doing so they prolonged his suffering when there really was no need.' She acknowledged the difficulty of making such decisions but urged owners to follow veterinary advice regarding their pet's quality of life. When approached at his university-owned home, Professor Kock declined to comment.
