Four cats found dead in shocking flea-infested house
Shocking photographs reveal the inside of a filthy house where four cats were found dead and 10 were in poor health.
Nicola Lissimore has been banned for keeping animals for life after the RSPCA entered her home in Wolverhampton and described it as one of the 'worst properties' the inspector has seen in 30 years.
The 48-year-old, of Mount Road, Lanesfield, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences, which took place between May 8 and June 19, when she appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The court heard how the RSPCA were alerted after concerns were raised that a number of cats in the house were not being cared for.
RSPCA Inspector Dawn Burrell visited and was unable to contact the owner but could see a number of emaciated cats through a window.
She could also see piles of faeces and rubbish in the house and could not find any signs that the cats had food and water.
The pets had no access to the outside and she could see fleas jumping up at the front door.
The RSPCA monitored property for a few days and believed no one was attending to the cats so, upon veterinary advice, entry was gained with the help of officers from West Midlands Police.
Inspector Burrell said once inside it was clear the cats were suffering from dehydration, were emaciated and had other untreated medical issues.
She said: “The police went to the back door and couldn’t push it in due to the amount of faeces behind it so we tried the front.
“This time a front panel went through and immediately the smell of ammonia hit us as we went inside - it was so strong we were physically gagging.
“We found four dead cats amongst the piles of faeces which was piled high, there was rubbish strewn around and the only water available in the property was from a bathroom tap which was left running but the door was closed so they couldn’t access it.
“This was one of the worst properties I have entered in my 30 years in the job.
“It was so sad to see these dead cats just left in the filth and the others were either emaciated or had other health problems which had not been addressed.”
The surviving cats were signed over into the care of the RSPCA and have now been rehabilitated.
Some have already found new homes and others are still waiting to be adopted.
Lissimore was also given a 12-week jail term suspended for 18 months.
She will be be required to undertake a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for 30 days and was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
She was also ordered to pay £300 costs and £115 victim surcharge.
