The RSPCA found 24 cats living in squalid conditions at a property in Bridlington, with one kitten dying shortly after it was rescued
Kaylara Ann Reed was found to have neglected the two dozen kittens in her care(Image: Submitted)
A Bridlington woman has been handed a decade-long ban on keeping animals after letting two dozen cats and kittens live in squalid conditions. One kitten died after suffering hypothermia and “significant neurological tremors” and others were found infested with fleas and suffering from conjunctivitis.
Kaylara Ann Reed, 40, of The Crescent, Bridlington, appeared for sentencing at Hull Magistrates Court on July 3, after pleading guilty to five offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The cats were found living in an environment described as unsuitable for either animal or human habitation.
The court heard RSPCA officers attended Reed’s house in Princes Road, Hull, on September 6 2025, along with a police officer, after concerns were raised as to the environment in which 24 cats at the property were living. RSPCA Chief Inspector Natalie Hill, described being met with an “overwhelming smell of ammonia” and overflowing litter trays.
Inspector Hill said: “The bathroom area housed several cat litter trays that held excessive amounts of faeces, there was also faeces on the floor. Given the excessive ammonia smell, urine and faeces in various places, I did not see this area suitable for either animal or human to be living in.”
During the search, Inspector Hill and RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Emily Lomas discovered a female adult and a very weak kitten that required emergency veterinary care. Twelve cats and kittens were examined by a vet, who reported that nine of the cats were actively suffering from conditions including significant flea infestations, anaemia and conjunctivitis. One young kitten was found to be hypothermic with significant neurological tremors upon arrival at the hospital and passed away shortly after. The court also heard that the flea infestations were so significant they had caused secondary allergic skin disease in multiple animals.
In mitigation, the court was told of the defendant’s poor mental and physical health. It was stated that she had shown a degree of insight and was devastated by the circumstances. During sentencing, the court remarked: “We consider this to be a very serious set of offences. It is clear to us that you failed to look after your cats at a time when they needed your care. We feel that you wilfully neglected your cats.”
In a written statement, Chief Inspector Hill also described how the RSPCA and local council had tried to engage with Reed and offered support over a 12-month period, but the defendant “disengaged”. As well as the 10-year ban, which she cannot contest for five years, Reed was also ordered to pay a £240 fine, a £96 victim surcharge, and £400 in costs.
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