Fairview Park woman Trudi Stapleton fronts court over hoarding 22 cats in squalor

Detailed summary

The squalid conditions in which a woman allegedly kept 22 cats can be revealed after she fronted court.

A woman has fronted court accused of keeping a staggering hoard of 22 cats in squalid conditions at her home.

Trudi Joan Stapleton, 64, allegedly kept the felines in crates in a urine and faeces-soaked room of her home in Fairview Park, in Adelaide’s northeast.

The RSPCA alleges Ms Stapleton failed to provide the cats with adequate living conditions and have charged her with eight offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

She stands charged with multiple counts of ill treatment of animals, for which the maximum penalty is $20,000 or two years’ imprisonment.

It is alleged that the 22 cats were found “confined in crates within an unventilated and unsanitary room, heavily contaminated with urine and faeces”.

It is also alleged that she ignored notices issued by the RSPCA ordering her to improve the living conditions of the moggies.

This week, she appeared in front of magistrates for the first time after being charged.

“It is alleged that the defendant ill-treated 22 cats by failing to provide them with adequate living conditions”, an RSPCA SA spokesman said in a statement.

“The defendant also failed to comply with animal welfare notices directing her to provide appropriate and hygienic living conditions for the cats.”

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