When RSPCA inspectors raided Monika Listos’ house they found 18 kittens living in filthy conditions.
The 26-year-old was investigated after dozens of people complained about the sick cats she was selling online – part of an illegal kitten farm.
Inspectors found the kittens from three different litters alone, some just four weeks old and too young to be away from their mothers.
They had no water, bedding or toys and no adult cats. The house had no furniture, except for one sofa. Most died and only six could be rehomed after the Coventry raid in 2019.
The RSPCA’s Louise Marston said: “These kittens were far too young to be away from their mum and were at risk from the spread of feline parvovirus via contaminated faeces.
“Anyone looking for a new kitten should take time to make sure they have been bred responsibly, to avoid health and behavioural issues and heartbreak.”
Listos was jailed for 20 weeks in April and she got a lifetime ban from keeping animals and has had to pay £10,000 in costs.
Sadly, this case is not unique. The RSPCA received more than 1,600 reports of kitten farms over the past five years.
There are fears this will rise because of the demand for pets during lockdown.
It is now calling for an increase in the age of kittens being imported from 15 to 24weeks.
A checklist, with questions new owners should ask, has been put together to ensure kittens come from a reputable breeder.
It includes seeing them with their mum, in the place they were born.
Alice Potter, RSPCA’s cat welfare expert said: “Every year, we investigate thousands of reports of poorly bred puppies, sickly kittens, and gangs breeding and trafficking sick animals to sell on to unsuspecting members of the public.
"We aim to bring this illegal practice to a halt.”
- For the new owner checklist, visit rspca.org.uk and search ‘kittens for sale’
