Cats lived in appalling conditions
A man has been banned from keeping cats for three years, after 23 cats which were living in appalling conditions were removed from his home by RSPCA inspectors.
A man has been banned from keeping cats for three years, after 23 cats which were living in appalling conditions were removed from his home by RSPCA inspectors.
David Tilley (55) of Watton Road, Ashill, appeared before Swaffham Magistrates' Court today where he admitted 21 counts of failing to meet the welfare needs of 23 cats.
He was given 100 hours community service, and ordered to pay costs of �5,179.
The court was told an RSPCA inspector visited the home of Tilley in January this year and they said the inside of the property was filthy with faeces and mess and in some places the rubbish was four feet in height.
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The environment was so poor and unhygienic that immediate action was taken to remove the cats from the property.
The cats were removed over a period of days as the animals were nervous and not easy to catch. Inspectors removed 12 on the first day, and revisited on subsequent days to collect the rest.
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Many of the cats had flea infestation and some were matted and soiled, one cat had an eye missing.
A vet who examined the cats at the property advised that the animals were suffering unduly by being kept in such a way.
Speaking after the case, Inspector David Podmore, said: “This is a sad case, particularly as it would have been totally avoidable if Tilley had asked for help.
"As it was, the cats undeniably suffered significantly throughout in the almost indescribable squalor they were forced to live in.
“The cats were unable to leave the property and there was an overwhelming stench of ammonia throughout it.”
All the cats were signed over the RSPCA and most have since been rehomed. Tilley told the court that he had been suffering from financial difficulty and depression.
