AN RSPCA inspector has described hearing the wails of suffering cats living in squalid conditions at a house of horrors in Christchurch.

Patrick Bailey said “it was impossible” to enter parts of Lorraine George’s cluttered home where she forced 29 Persian cats to live covered in faeces and fleas.

As reported, the 64-year-old was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court earlier this month having been found guilty at trial of 13 offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

RSPCA officers, who went to her home in Freshwater Road in March last year, found cats scattered around the property suffering from eye infections, respiratory illness, flea infestations, matted fur, emaciation, and ingrown claws.

One cat even had to be put down.

Bournemouth Echo: A Persian cat in the home of Lorraine GeorgeA Persian cat in the home of Lorraine George (Image: RSPCA)

Mr Bailey said in a statement read to the court that nearly all the ground floor of George’s property was inaccessible because of clutter.

“We were confronted by a wall of boxes and parcels, creating a thin walkway through the hallway to the kitchen, and I could hear cats calling throughout the house,” he said.

“There was also a very strong, unpleasant smell of ammonia and it was impossible to enter the living room and dining room as they were stacked floor to ceiling with boxes of belongings.”

It was said that police found the defendant asleep on the floor of a bedroom, while her bathroom and an ensuite were occupied by cats.

The inspector added: “It appeared to me that the property barely functioned as a home anymore, instead it resembled a storage facility.”

A vet who examined the cats stated: “None of the pens provided a suitable environment for the needs of the cats as they were housing too many cats for the area provided. That, and poor ventilation and hygiene contributed to a high prevalence of multiple infectious diseases.

Bournemouth Echo: 'Squalid' conditions endured by cats in the Christchurch home of Lorraine George'Squalid' conditions endured by cats in the Christchurch home of Lorraine George (Image: RSPCA)

“The provision of food and water was inadequate and food bowls were dirty and empty, litter tray provision was inadequate and there was a lack of enrichment for all the cats.

“There was faecal staining all over the furniture, windowsill, bookshelves, bedside cabinets and faeces in the bed itself. The smell in this room was horrific.”

George claimed some of the cats were thin because they had flu and the court was told about the defendant’s infirmity. It was also said that she blamed the RSPCA for her situation.

Sentencing judge Jonathan Fuller KC criticised George for “refusing to accept” any responsibility.

George was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and banned from owning cats for 10 years. She was also ordered to pay £53,275.78 in legal costs.