Rosalind Gregson denies 49 animal cruelty charges

Officer Sarah Hayland said she was shocked when she visited Rosalind Gregson, 55, of Silverdale, Lancashire.

Mrs Hayland found dogs, birds, cats, a rabbit and a chinchilla - some caged and some loose - the court heard.

Mrs Gregson denies 49 charges of failing to provide the animals with necessary care and attention.

She was struck by an overpowering stench of ammonia, urine and excrement when she first entered the cottage in Lindeth Road on 10 September 2003, the court was told.

Mrs Hayland said: "I was quite shocked, I was finding it difficult to cope with the smell and the general atmosphere.

"My eyes were watering and I was finding it difficult to breathe."

She had to go out for fresh air after only few minutes, the court heard.

'Old wound'

As Mrs Hayland looked round each room in the cottage she came across numerous animals with many in a poor condition, a number injured and provided with little water and light.

She said the bathroom was the most shocking room.

"There was a board over the bath and the dogs were in cages just stacked on top of it. Some of them were covered with blankets."

She found a small very poorly Yorkshire terrier in one cage, with a matted coat.

"You could see its bones and it had some sort of injury to its hind leg. It seemed to be an old wound," said Mrs Hayland.

The case continues.