Cat breeder faces ban

A court heard how RSPCA inspectors found the animals living in filth and squalor at the home of Innez Tyrell in Wheatley Crescent, Leegomery.

There were even carcasses of four cats found in the freezer.

Tyrell admitted 10 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the pets during a hearing at Telford Magistrates Court.

The offences occurred between July and September 2008 when inspectors obtained a warrant to inspect the property.

The court heard inspectors went to the home of Tyrell where they found four cat carcasses in the freezer and faeces and urine throughout the house.

Tyrell, who was a Persian cat breeder, kept the animals in two of the three upstairs bedrooms.

District Judge Ruth Morgan told the defendant she should expect a suspended prison sentence. The case was adjourned for reports and Tyrell was released on unconditional bail.

She said: "The house was in an appalling state of filth and squalor. The defendant did not have to have the cats, she chose to and it's simply cruel and unforgivable."

Mr Paul Taylor, prosecuting, said: "The conditions in the house were appaling. Officers were met by a strong smell of ammonia and cat faeces.

"The officer nearly vomited when he went into the kitchen and he told me he has never come across anything like this. There were four carcasses found in the defendant's freezer which was used to keep meats for the cats and also for the defendant's own food."

Mr Taylor said the defendant neither had the time nor the resources to keep so many cats.

He added: "The saddest part of this case is that a large number of cats suffered for a long period of time when that could have been avoided."

The court also heard that legal costs of the case were already at £30,000 and the cost for boarding the surviving cats already stood at £56,000 from September 2008 to May 2009.

The case was adjourned until December 14.

By Jason Lavan