Man Kept 50 Cats Despite Ban, Found Guilty in Court

A 60-year-old man who was banned from keeping cats for life has been found with 50 felines living in “awful conditions” at his Mountain Ash property in Wales, according to the RSPCA. 🐱

David Thomas pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act and was found guilty of two other offences after a trial at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Gemma Cooper described the shocking scene: “I walked into the back garden of Pentwyn Avenue and saw adult cats crammed in black metal cages which were full of cat faeces and urine. Although there was an obvious attempt to hide these crates with blankets and branches the cats were still being rained on and the blankets inside the crates were soaking wet.”

The court heard that cats were discovered in cramped metal cages full of waste, with some even locked in dark cupboards. During a February 2024 visit, DCI Cooper stated: “As I entered the kitchen I saw crates and cat carriers full of cats. I could not believe my eyes.”

In total, 35 cats were seized in October 2023, with a further 15 rescued in February 2024. Many were urine-stained with matted fur and showed signs of distress.

Thomas received a 26-week suspended prison sentence and was ordered to pay costs of £1,000, a victim surcharge of £154, and a £100 fine. His lifetime ban from keeping cats was upheld.

Following the case, DCI Cooper shared some positive news: “The cats were so programmed to be kept in cages it took them a while to get used to having the space to walk around and play. Once they got used to that and some socialisation they came on leaps and bounds and we are very happy to have found them loving homes.” 😊