The RSPCA has rehomed 27 cats found living in squalor in a filthy house in Clacton.

Inspectors were called to the house by Tendring Council's environmental health department after complaints about bad smells.

Insp Jim Farr and Insp Rosie Russon arrived and together with police and staff from Essex County Council's social services department had to use fire brigade breathing apparatus to enter the house as the smell of cat faeces and urine was so strong.

The property was owned by an elderly woman, who was checked over by a doctor and taken into care.

Insp Farr said it was the worst case of its kind that he had seen in his ten years in the job.

"The cats had access to all areas of the building," he said.

"The ammonia hit the back of my throat and took my breath away, even with a mask when we got in there."

The cats were all taken to a vet and treated for respiratory complaints. Two of them died. The other 27 all made good recoveries and have been found new homes by the Colchester branch of the RSPCA.

No charges were brought against the woman due to her age.

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Published Wednesday, January 12, 2005

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