Woman receives suspended sentence for starving up to 10 cats to death

A woman responsible for the starvation deaths of as many as 10 cats has been given a suspended jail sentence. The remains of the felines were discovered scattered around a property in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, which was filled with rubbish, in what an RSPCA inspector described as an “utterly heartbreaking” and “harrowing” scene. Lynsey Alcock, 24, of no fixed address, was found guilty in June at a trial held in her absence at Wigan Magistrates’ Court. She received a 26-week jail term, suspended for 12 months, along with a five-year ban from keeping animals and a £50 fine. The RSPCA reported that the cats’ bodies were swarming with flies and covered in faeces and rubbish. The water in the sink and toilet had been completely consumed, and some of the cats had partially eaten other cats in an attempt to survive. The charity stated that Alcock had denied one charge under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. RSPCA Inspector Vicki Brooks had visited the flat on 12 April last year after the charity received reports that cats had been left unattended. In a written statement submitted to the court, she said: “I was, despite my years of experience, very shocked, disturbed and upset by what was found. “The entire flat was filthy, covered in faeces and piles of rubbish and clutter were strewn everywhere. “The flies were overwhelming and there was a very large presence of fleas. “There were no live animals in the flat. The scene was utterly heartbreaking.” The court was informed that it was impossible to determine the exact number of cats that had perished at the property. In mitigation, the court heard that Alcock, who was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, had mental health issues and stated she had failed to ensure that someone else was properly caring for the cats. Speaking after the sentencing, Ms Brooks commented: “This was a particularly harrowing and disturbing case for everyone involved.” PC Sean Dalby added: “This was a shocking case of needless cruelty that should never have happened.”