Student denies frying live hamster (From York Press)

Student James White on hamster cruelty charge

11:00am Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Megi Rychlikova, megi.rychlikova@thepress.co.uk

A STUDENT has denied cooking a live hamster in his York home.

James White, 21, of Popes Head Court, central York, is accused of frying the adult female Syrian hamster in a pan, but pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the animal by subjecting her to hyperthermia when he appeared at York Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

His case was adjourned until October 4 to allow defence and prosecution lawyers to consider post mortem reports prepared by each side’s forensic expert.

Steve Munro, for White, told the court: “It is a very sensitive case and it is a case that is going to be a battle of the experts in essence.”

White did not speak during the brief hearing except to confirm his name, age and address, and to enter his plea. The case is being brought by the RSPCA under the Animal Welfare Act.

White was excused attendance at the next hearing, which is expected to deal with administrative matters and legal discussions.

White was granted unconditional bail.

The offence is alleged to have taken place on February 4 this year.