Two people have been banned from keeping animals for ten years, after more than 70 cats were found living in squalid conditions at a house in Reading between 2024 and 2025.
It follows an investigation by Reading’s Environmental Protection team and animal warden which began in April 2024, launched after neighbours complained about bad smells and fleas emanating from a private rented property.
Officers found 27 cats at the property suffering from an extensive flea infestation, with no access to the outdoors.
Floors throughout the property were covered in cat faeces and urine, with the severity of the smell and the spread of fleas beginning to affect neighbouring properties.
Despite assistance with cleaning the property, the occupants failed to make any improvements, and the cats at the address were suffering.
Officers obtained a court warrant under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to remove the cats and prevent further suffering.
In total, 27 cats were removed and signed over to the RSPCA that day to begin the process of finding them new homes.
In April last year, the occupants were sentenced for neglect and animal cruelty at Reading Crown Court and received a ban from keeping cats and dogs for six years.
Despite this, less than a month later, in May last year, the council’s animal warden was working in the area when they again spotted cats through the window of the property.
This breach of their banning order led to a new warrant being secured by the Council, and a further 43 cats, including kittens, being rescued from the property.
Two kittens were found dead, with a further eight being later put to sleep due to their very poor condition.
Both people pleaded guilty to all offences and were committed to Reading Crown Court for sentencing last month.
They were both handed a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, an extension to their community order, and a 10-year ban from keeping cats and dogs.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “This was an extremely complex and heartbreaking case for all involved. I want to sincerely thank our hardworking Environmental Protection team, and animal warden, as well as our partner agencies for their intervention in this situation.
“The coordinated investigation and prosecution will allow these animals the chance to find safe, forever homes with new owners, and crucially, allow two individuals to access the mental health support they need.
“The council remains committed to investigating issues related to licensing and animal welfare fully and taking action where necessary to protect animals.
“I want to urge anyone with concerns about the welfare of an animal to report them to us on our website.”
Reports can be made via: myaccount.reading.gov.uk/s/animal-welfare-concern
