These appalling pictures show the soiled, filthy environment that caused a man to be banned from having cats as pets for a decade.

Stephen Sturman, 55, admitted two animal welfare offences when he appeared before magistrates after his house was found overflowing with stacks of rubbish and compressed faeces.

In among the debris was the body of a dead cat alongside two surviving cats who were both emaciated, and are now under the protection of the RSPCA.

The shocking pictures show the filthy squalid conditions in a flat in Exeter, Devon, that led to Stephen Sturman being banned from keeping cats for a decade (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS.com)

RSPCA inspector Jim Farr said they launched an enquiry after firefighters warned them about the ‘appalling’ conditions and animal suffering at Sturman’s home in Exeter, Devon.




The squalid conditions were revealed when they forced entry after a fire broke out at a neighbouring property.

Mr Farr said: ‘The conditions of the property were appalling with compacted faeces that had built up over years.

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‘Rubbish, including hundreds of empty cans, were filling every room and there was an overpowering smell.

‘The body of a dead cat was discovered alongside Alice and Poppy, the two surviving cats, who were both emaciated.’

The appalling conditions of the house (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS.com)

One of the cats that was found alive but extremely emaciated (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS.com)

The house was in a teribble condition when firefighters found it (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS.com)

‘It was heartbreaking to see, and it beggars all belief that anyone deemed it acceptable to keep animals in such filthy, squalid surroundings.

‘Fortunately, the RSPCA’s intervention ensured the two cats were rescued and could be rehomed for a second chance of happiness.’

Sturman was also ordered to pay £550 when he appeared before the court.

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