**Banned Cat Owner Found Living With 50 Cats in Dire Conditions in Mountain Ash**
A 60-year-old man has been found in breach of a lifetime ban on keeping cats after authorities discovered him residing with 50 felines in dismal conditions at his Mountain Ash residence. David Thomas, who had previously been disqualified from owning cats by Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court in September 2023, was once again found with dozens of animals living amongst squalor, an incident that shocked both RSPCA officers and local authorities.
The disturbing discovery unfolded across two inspections. In October 2023, the RSPCA, along with South Wales Police and housing officers, visited the property, removing 35 cats as concerns about animal welfare mounted. A subsequent visit in February 2024 led to the rescue of 15 further cats, bringing the total number of animals found in Mr Thomas’s care to 50. The scale and severity of the neglect encountered have been described as deeply troubling by investigators.
During both visits, officers were confronted by cramped metal cages, many of which were covered with dirty, mould-ridden blankets in an apparent attempt to conceal the animals. These cages, saturated with urine and faeces, were left outdoors, exposing the cats to the elements. Some cages had been hidden under blankets and branches, but still provided no shelter from persistent rainfall, leaving cats soaking wet and huddled in filth.
More distressingly, several cats were discovered locked inside pitch-black cupboards within the house. The interior of these cupboards was described as small, dirty, and devoid of light. Many animals were visibly anxious, underweight, with fur matted with faeces and urine. RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper commented after the October visit: “Many of the cats were crying and jumping at the sides of the crates. It was clear they had been kept this way for some time, not as a result of one-off neglect.”
Upon rescue, all cats were immediately transferred to the RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic for assessment and urgent care. While the majority required only routine treatment such as de-fleaing, washing, and socialisation, at least one cat discovered in a severely poor state with a significant tumour had to be euthanised on humane grounds.
The prosecution at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court heard testimony from DCI Cooper, who detailed the grim scenes found at the property. Alongside breaching the cat ownership ban, Mr Thomas was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a black cat by failing to provide appropriate veterinary care, as well as for neglecting the fundamental welfare needs of all animals in his keeping.
When passing sentence, magistrates noted Thomas’s serious mental and physical health difficulties, as presented in his defence. Nevertheless, they imposed a 26-week custodial sentence for animal cruelty, along with further concurrent sentences related to other offences, all suspended for 12 months. Additionally, Mr Thomas was ordered to pay court costs totalling £1,000, a victim surcharge of £154, and a £100 fine. His ban on keeping cats for life remains in force.
After sentencing, DCI Cooper spoke about the transformation witnessed in the rescue cats. Initially, the animals struggled to adjust to their newfound freedom, having become conditioned to life in cages. However, she added: “Once they got used to space and received some love and attention, they made fantastic progress, and we’re delighted to have found them new, caring homes.”
This deeply unsettling case once again underscores the crucial role organisations such as the RSPCA play in safeguarding the welfare of animals, and highlights the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspected cruelty or neglect. Legislation such as the Animal Welfare Act is designed to protect animals from such suffering, and breaches are treated with the gravity they deserve by the courts.
The RSPCA have encouraged anyone concerned about the welfare of animals in their local area to report their concerns, with the assurance that even deeply concealed cruelty can come to light thanks to the perseverance of inspectors and the involvement of local communities.