24 November,2016 03:32 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
A 43-year-old Australian woman has been convicted of animal cruelty after she abandoned 14 cats inside her house for so long that they resorted to eating each other
A 43-year-old Australian woman has been convicted of animal cruelty after she abandoned 14 cats inside her house for so long that they resorted to eating each other.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) inspectors found 13 dead cats and an emaciated survivor when they raided the property in Adelaide, South Australia, in September 2015. By the time they arrived at the house 13 of the cats were dead and the only surviving animal was severely emaciated.
"The remains of the other 13 cats were spread throughout the house. It was a devastating sight," chief inspector Andrea Lewis said. The court took into account her mental health issues and the fact she spent two weeks in custody after failing to attend earlier court hearings.
RSPCA South Australia chief inspector Andrea Lewis said it was a 'heartbreaking' case for staff. "They see some pretty awful things. But this is something that will stay with them for a long time, she told a British website.
The woman was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and banned from owning animals. The surviving cat named Trooper, has recovered and found a new home.
Video footage recorded by the RSPCA shows the house littered with mess, including animal faeces.
