Extreme cat hoarding leads to fine, pet-restricting order for Cox's Cove woman

A woman on Newfoundland'swest coast who had more than 140 cats in her house two years ago has been ordered by a judge not to own more than five pets at a time.

• 130 cats, 3 litter boxes discovered in Cox's Cove home

Florence Taker, 68, whose cat-filled home became the centre of attention in December 2014, was fined $1,000 by Judge Wayne GormanFriday.

130 cats, 3 litterboxes in Cox's Cove house

10 years ago

Duration 0:30

Volunteers from various cat rescue groups say 60 have been removed from a cox's Cove house, but 72 still on site

Taker, whohid her face from cameras as she appeared in court,is also not allowed to own more than five pets at one time.

The extreme hoarding was discovered during a assessment of Taker's home, when it wasreported the house containeda few dozen cats.

However,acat rescue group found more than a hundred cats many were reportedly malnourished and sufferedflea infestations.

The ScaredyCat Rescue group in Corner Brook removed the animalsfrom the home.

Everyone needs a pet. I'm never going to say they don't. But why can she keep getting more?- Leanne Barnes, president of Scaredy Cat Rescue

Taker pleaded guilty to willfully permittingunnecessary suffering and injury to animals she ownedat an earlier court date.

She has a year to pay the fine.

The lifetime restriction on owning pets includes conditions that she has to keep them indoors, and before the animals are purchased,they have to be checked by a vet to ensure they're in good health.

Leanne Barnes, president of Scaredy Cat Rescue, said she was expecting a much larger fine.

"It's nowhere close to enough. She shouldn't be allowed to have animals," Barnes said, following the sentencing.

"Everyone needs a pet. I'm never going to say they don't. But why can she keep getting more?Maybe when these animals pass away, she should be restricted to no more pets."

Barnes believes Taker should receiving counselling.