Lancashire woman sentenced after cats starved to death

The remains of the cats were found in a flat in Beech Close, Skelmersdale, in a scene described as 'utterly heartbreaking' by an RSPCA inspector.

The cats had resorted to eating each other in a desperate attempt to survive, the RSPCA said.

Lynsey Alcock, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Wigan Magistrates' Court on November 22.

She was given a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was banned from keeping animals for five years. She was also fined £50.

After denying the charge, she was found guilty in her absence at a trial on June 18.

Seals and markers were placed on the front door to see if anyone was coming or going - as is standard practice - but 48 hours later it was clear that no one was at the house (Image: Supplied)

RSPCA inspector Vicki Brooks visited the flat on April 12 last year after reports of unattended cats.

She said: "When the front door was opened we were immediately surrounded by a very large swarm of flies.

"I saw the remains of a deceased cat in the area to the right of the bottom of the stairs.

"It appeared to have been partially eaten as it still had skin and fur in some places but all that remained of the tail was bones with small amounts of flesh on.

"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.

"Amongst the mess, the police officers and I found the remains of several deceased cats."

A vet who reviewed the findings said: "The evidence indicates that the four cats died as a consequence of starvation, a prolonged lack of access to a suitable diet."

In her interview with the RSPCA, Ms Alcock claimed she had 'not lived at the address since September 2022.'

She said 'she had mental health issues' and failed to ensure someone else was looking after the cats properly.