Doorbell footage captured the moment when a worker in an EE-branded jacket picked up a white cat by the scruff of its neck in Weston-super-Mare. The incident, which occurred in the Broadoak area, has led to swift action from both EE and their third-party provider, Money Expert. The cat named Iceberg suffered suspected bruising and needed painkillers following the unfortunate handling.
Cat welfare experts often stress the importance of proper handling techniques, especially when interacting with unfamiliar animals. This incident highlights growing concerns about how field representatives interact with pets while conducting door-to-door marketing activities in residential areas.
What Happened to Iceberg the Cat?
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The doorbell camera footage shows two individuals wearing EE-branded jackets approaching a house in Weston-super-Mare. In the video, one worker can be seen lifting the white cat onto a wheelie bin. Then, they picked up Iceberg by the scruff of the neck and carried the cat away. This improper handling technique caused suspected bruising to the cat. As a result, Iceberg’s owner had to administer painkillers to help with the pet’s discomfort.
The cat’s owner, Sarah Hunt, expressed that while she was satisfied with EE’s response to the incident, she had not yet received a personal apology from Money Expert. The company has promised to reach out directly to check on Iceberg’s well-being.
How Did the Companies Respond to the Cat Incident?
Money Expert acted quickly following the incident. They suspended the workers involved indefinitely from the campaign. In their statement, the company emphasized that they do not tolerate the mistreatment of animals in any way.
“We are very disappointed that on this occasion our representatives have fallen extremely short of our code of conduct,” a Money Expert spokesperson said.
The company also promised to strengthen its internal guidance. They want to ensure that “all animals are consistently treated with the maximum care and respect” in the future.
EE also distanced itself from the workers’ actions. A spokesperson stated that the company “does not condone the mistreatment of animals” and that they are “treating the matter extremely seriously.”
Why Proper Cat Handling Matters
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This incident serves as an important reminder about proper animal handling. Cats should never be carried solely by the scruff of their neck, especially adult cats. This method of carrying can cause pain and potential injury to the animal.
Professional animal handlers recommend supporting a cat’s body weight when picking them up. The correct technique involves placing one hand under the cat’s chest and the other supporting their hindquarters.
What Steps Are Being Taken to Prevent Future Incidents?
Money Expert confirmed that they are implementing new measures to prevent similar incidents. All field advisors undergo vetting and receive training about “engaging respectfully with residents at all times.” However, this incident has prompted a review of their training procedures.
The company is now taking steps to strengthen their guidance for workers. They aim to ensure consistent treatment of animals with “maximum care and respect” during door-to-door activities.
This case highlights the responsibility companies have when sending representatives into residential areas. Proper training should include not just how to interact with potential customers, but also how to appropriately behave around pets and property.
