This update once again features the initial photo of the dead cat that had lain in the rear enclosure of Camp Kitty for several week before the remaining pelt was removed. Cowra Shire Mayor visited the premises and viewed the situation. Admittedly the Mayor readily visited on three occasions and seemed open to discussions about the situation, however, the owner of Camp Kitty (Richard McCudden) was by that time collecting cats and jailing them at the premises for approximately 2 years and no effective actions appeared to had been taken. Resultantly some residents sold their properties and left the area because of the ineffective management of the situation by Cowra Shire Council. Had it not been for our ongoing and repeated letters supported by photographic evidence of the conditions at Camp Kitty to Cowra Council and letters and photographs to the local member and other members of the NSW Parliament, Camp Kitty would perhaps still be housing in excess of 200 cats in the most distressingly awful conditions. I hasten to add that the turning point in the situation came about when Prime7 news reporter Floyd Cush visited and did a feature on the conditions as witnessed from neighbouring properties. The upcoming local Council election quite possibly also had something to do with Council improving it’s efforts to more effectively manage the situation. Having said that, there were some Councillors who steadfastly supported our efforts. Overall it took 5 years to get Richard McCudden prosecuted on many counts of animal cruelty. The RSPCA NSW brought the charges against Richard McCudden and I thank the RSPCA for eventually obtaining sufficient evidence to bring about the charges. Had Cowra Council taken effective actions from the time Richard McCudden relocated the cats to Camp Kitty, the unprecedented animal cruelty would not have been able to flourish and continue for as long as it did! Today, Camp Kitty is an overgrown, vermin and snake infested cattery with approximately 3 cats. It is believed that the remainder of the cats are housed elsewhere. Cowra Council contact details Tel. - 02 6340 2000 email – council@cowra.nsw.gov.au