A French couple faced justice after being found guilty of subjecting numerous animals to inhumane conditions, receiving a one-year suspended sentence. The couple, residing in an 80-square-meter apartment in Nice, harbored an alarming number of 159 cats and seven dogs. Their neglect came to light when authorities discovered the animals living in squalor, malnourished, dehydrated, and plagued by parasites.
The court issued a permanent injunction against owning pets, along with a substantial fine exceeding €150,000. Tragically, some of the animals succumbed to their poor health, with investigators uncovering deceased pets within the premises.
The couple’s defense cited psychological factors, including “Noah’s syndrome,” as a driving force behind their compulsion to accumulate animals despite their inability to care for them adequately. This case sheds light on the complex interplay between mental health and animal welfare, underscoring the importance of responsible pet ownership.
