ERNEST FROST AND JEAN FROST BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS AFTER HORRIFIC CAT CRUELTY IN CHESTER-LE-STREET

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, pensioners Ernest Frost and Jean Frost from Chester-Le-Street have been found guilty of subjecting a total of 43 cats to appalling living conditions within their residence. The case came to light after the RSPCA intervened in February, prompted by concerns raised about the welfare of the cats kept at the property.

Upon entering the premises, inspectors were met with a scene of utter chaos and squalor. The entire property was heavily contaminated with human and animal waste, with faeces and rubbish strewn across every surface. The stench was so overwhelming that it caused an inspector’s throat to burn, highlighting the extreme level of neglect. The floors, particularly on the upper levels, were soaked in urine and had deteriorated to the point where they were close to collapsing due to ammonia damage. The inspector described the conditions as “worse than any property I have ever been into,” emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Most surfaces within the house were covered in faeces, and there was a stark absence of any clean or sanitary areas. The cats were living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, many suffering from infectious diseases and parasitic infestations. Several kittens were found with their eyes sealed shut by discharge, a clear sign of severe infection and neglect. One grey kitten was observed breathing with its mouth open, dangerously close to death, illustrating the dire state of health among the animals. The property spanned three floors, but access to the landing between the middle and top floors was blocked by a mound of rubbish and faeces, making it unsafe for entry.

In total, the RSPCA managed to rescue 35 cats from the property. Sadly, some of these animals died shortly after rescue due to the extent of their illnesses and the conditions they endured. Two adult cats, including one that had recently given birth, were euthanized with the consent of Jean Frost, reflecting the tragic toll of the neglect.

Both Ernest and Jean Frost pleaded guilty to breaching the Animal Welfare Act. During the court proceedings, they were handed a three-year ban from keeping any animals. The couple’s health issues were cited as mitigation for their actions, but the court emphasized the severity of the cruelty involved.

Inspector Proctor described the interior conditions, stating, “The smell inside was worse than the smell of any property I have ever been into,” underscoring the extreme neglect and suffering inflicted upon the animals. The court ordered the Frosts to pay £150 in costs and issued a deprivation order, allowing the RSPCA to rehome the remaining cats. However, ten cats still awaited rehoming after the Frosts refused to sign them over, raising further concerns about their ongoing neglect.

This case has brought to light serious issues surrounding animal cruelty, neglect, and overbreeding within a home that was clearly unfit for any living creature. The authorities’ intervention has hopefully prevented further suffering and will lead to better care for the rescued animals.