Overview
- Kingston Crown Court imposed a four-month prison term suspended for two years, a 10-year ban on keeping cats and dogs, 10 rehabilitation activity days and £1,000 in costs.
- Veterinary evidence said eight cats were crushed and suffocated at the bottom of the bin while the others were severely dehydrated, underweight and infested with fleas.
- Price confined the animals between July 21 and 24, 2024, using a disused microwave to weigh down the lid in darkness and heat with a strong smell of ammonia.
- Local housing association staff found the bin, and Cats Protection and the RSPCA removed the animals and took the survivors for urgent veterinary care.
- Defence mitigation cited her mental and physical health and caring responsibilities, and the 15 surviving cats remain in the care of animal charities.