Seventy Bengal cats and kittens rescued from Runcorn house

Many of the kittens had eye condition and upset stomachs

Seventy Bengal cats and kittens have been rescued from a single house.

The cats, including 42 kittens, were rescued from a house in Runcorn, Cheshire, on 28 February after a breeder sent them from London.

Warrington Animal Welfare, who said it had never taken in so many at once, said it was "an example of backstreet breeding at its worse". Bengal pedigree cats can sell for up to £1,000.

The underweight felines had cat flu and stomach or eye conditions.

The centre is hoping experienced owners can be found to adopt the kittens

Trustee Julie Pickett told BBC North West Tonight: "They were in cages.

"It was very overwhelming at the time, but we did call in the help of another rescue."

The centre is now look at re-homing the cats and kittens through adoption from experienced pet owners.

The kittens and their mothers will be kept at the centre for up to four or five weeks.