Invercargill 'cat lady' finds homes for 22 cats

Averil Gardiner shields her face from a TV camera during her trial in the Invercargill District Court. Beside Gardiner is counsel Simon Claver. Photo / ODT

Most of the 25 cats owned by Invercargill woman Averil Gardiner have been rehomed to meet a court's deadline.

Two weeks ago in the Invercargill District Court, Judge David Saunders ordered her to comply with an Invercargill City Council bylaw and reduce the number of her cats to three or fewer within 21 days.

The cats were advertised through the Invercargill-based organisation Furever Homes.

Gardiner's lawyer, Simon Claver, said 22 cats were rehomed on Sunday, leaving her with three.

Gardiner was "obviously devastated", he said.

"It is like her family being ripped apart."