Gregory James Richardson, 58, of Weston, is alleged to have swung the cat by its tail and hit it against a trailer outside his home on May 6.

Mr Richardson, who was represented by barrister Mark Preece in court on Thursday, entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of torture, beat and seriously injure animal during a brief mention of his matter.

The matter was adjourned to August 11. 

Outside of court, Mr Richardson was confronted by a ‘silent protest’, conducted by a group of animal protection advocates.

The small group held up placards that said: “Animal cruelty will not be tolerated. “Justice for Princess” and “Animal abusers aren’t welcome in our community” as Mr Richardson and a supporter left the courthouse, crossed the road and jumped into a waiting car. 

Princess’ plight captured the attention of the Hunter and animal lovers around the country last month, with more than $24,000 raised to help with her treatment and ongoing care. 

Her injuries and the allegations against Mr Richardson also triggered an outpouring of anger and emotion online about animal cruelty issues. 

If proven, it will be the third high-profile act of animal cruelty in the Coalfields in a year. 

Only days before the attack, Princess had given birth to a litter of kittens and despite her injuries, which included a broken spine and legs, she managed to return to her kittens before being taken to a rescue group. 

Sawyers Gully Animal Rescue President Dee Walton said Princess would never walk again and requires manual help to excrete waste.

“Considering what she has been through, she is a great cat and she loves people,” Ms Walton said. “She is actually a face of animal cruelty.

“We're here to be a voice for the animals, there is too much animal cruelty going on and it can't be tolerated. 

“We need to stand up for the animals and show that it is not acceptable. 

“There are not just animals, they are our family.”