On 11 March 2026, Reading Borough Council highlighted the rescue of more than 70 cats from a single property in Reading, Berkshire. The council’s animal warden and Environmental Protection team intervened after finding the pets living in “horrendous” and neglected conditions.
The rescue operation took place in two stages. In April 2024, 27 cats were removed after the occupants failed to improve conditions following an initial investigation. A second intervention in May 2025 resulted in the rescue of 43 more cats and kittens—though sadly some were found deceased—after the owners breached a banning order imposed just a month earlier.
On 13 February 2026, two individuals were sentenced at Reading Crown Court. They received a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, an extension to their community order, and a 10-year ban from keeping cats or dogs. The court also mandated that they receive specialist mental health support to address the underlying issues related to the case.
Many of the rescued cats were signed over to the RSPCA to be rehomed. Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, explained that the council used the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to legally remove the pets. The council is now using the case to remind pet owners of their legal duties and to encourage residents to report welfare concerns via the local authority’s website.
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