A County Durham woman has been banned from keeping animals until 2035 after she was caught running an illegal cat sanctuary
Eight cats were found in Marie Smithson's Seaham home which the RSPCA say were suffering and not having their needs met.
Smithson, 42, was advertising herself as a cat rescue centre despite being banned from keeping animals for 10 years in 2013, making it illegal for her to be in possession of the animals.
The RSPCA began investigating after reports that Smithson was breaching her order.
RSPCA inspectors and an independent vet accompanied police on a warrant to her home and eight cats - called Milo, Barney, Kevin, Marvin, Gavin, Merlin, Macey and Owen - were found at the address.
Police took the cats and passed them into the care of the RSPCA.
Once the vet had examined the cats at the veterinary surgery she confirmed they were all suffering.
Two cats required dental treatment and they were all given vaccinations, flea and worm treatments.
RSPCA Inspector Catherine Maddison, who led the investigation for the animal welfare charity said: "Amongst the abundance of metal crates, cat carriers and litter trays there were litter shavings and faeces on the floor throughout.
"The smell was overpowering.
"We found cat faeces on the hallway, carpet, on the windowsill and on bedding in the bedroom.”
Smithson, of Derwent Close, Seaham, appeared before Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to be sentenced.
The case was proved in her absence after she failed to attend a hearing at the same court on September 1.
Her solicitors accepted she would have pleaded guilty had she attended.
In mitigation the court heard she had arranged for volunteers to take the cats for veterinary treatment on her behalf and that at the time she was suffering with her mental health.
Alongside the 15-year disqualification from keeping all animals with no option to appeal, Smithson was given a six-month custodial sentence suspended for 12 months, with a requirement to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days within this time.
She was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a victim surcharge of £122.
A deprivation order was issued for the cats who will now be made available for rehoming.
