OAP couple found keeping 43 pedigree cats in a rancid, poo-covered home guilty of animal welfare offence
Ernest Frost, 71, and his 68-year-old wife Jean were living in a property which had the worst smell encountered by a RSPCA inspector in eight years.
The inspection took place after concerns were raised for the welfare of ten cats who were believed to be living at the home in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.
On February 21, RSPCA inspector Rowena Proctor arrived at the property to find an awful smell.
She could see faeces through the patio doors and immediately called the police.
A total of Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats were found living in the couple's home.
Many of the felines had multiple health issues and several were pregnant. The majority of the kittens born at the property had died.
A vet examination revealed that it was likely that several infectious diseases were circulating the household.
During an interview with the RSPCA, Jean said she had 'possibly lost track' of how many cats she had.
Ernest claimed the kittens looked 'alright' and said the cats were 'definitely not suffering'.
But on June 11, the couple pleaded guilty at Peterlee Magistrates' Court, County Durham, to one Animal Welfare Act offence.
They have been forced to pay £150 each in costs.
Rowena Proctor said: 'Over the years I have been to countless properties where conditions have been very bad, but this was by far the worst smell I have encountered in eight years as an RSPCA Inspector.
'The cats were living in wholly unacceptable conditions and there were clearly far too many for the defendants to be able to manage and care for properly.
'Breeding had spiralled out of control, infection and disease were rife, and many of the kittens born into this environment were very poorly as a result.
'Even though they couldn't all be saved, the vast majority made a good recovery.
'And I'd like to say a huge thank you to all the private boarding establishments and RSPCA centres who cared for the cats in this case, and to the many adopters who have welcomed them into their lives.'
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