Feline ban woman 'kept 39 cats'

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A 79-year-old woman kept 39 cats at her home in squalid conditions despite serving a ban for animal cruelty, a court heard.

Joyce Nash, of Kingsbury Road, Erdington, was banned from keeping more than two cats five years ago after 75 cats were found in filthy conditions.

She was warned at the time she could face jail if she broke the ban.

At Birmingham Magistrates' Court Mrs Nash denied breaching the ban and 13 counts of cruelty.

A district judge was told that when RSPCA officers visited Mrs Nash's house in February 2008 they were overpowered by the smell of faeces and urine.

The court was told how some of the 39 cats were "clearly unwell".

Mrs Nash told the court she had believed the ban had expired.

The trial continues.