Hoarding
Readsboro, VT (US)Incident Date: Monday, Mar 26, 2007
County: Bennington
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Catherine Oldham
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
A Readsboro woman is facing charges of animal cruelty after police found several animals in unsanitary conditions and in need of medical attention.
The Vermont State Police say they received a request to check on Catherine Oldham, 63, of 231 Bergrucken Lane in Readsboro in January. After arriving at her residence, police encountered a strong odor of animal urine and feces. They requested permission to walk through the home but were denied and Adult Protective Services was contacted to look further into Oldham's living situation.
Adult Protective Services later advised the State Police that they had been notified of an investigation into Oldham who had taken several dogs to the Greylock Animal Hospital in North Adams, Mass. According to APS, a dog had been put down and several others put up for adoption. The state police later determined it was Adams, Mass., Animal Control Officer Terry Moran that was contacted by Greylock Animal Hospital.
On March 26, the state police were contacted by Readsboro Dog Officer Carl Moon who told police he had been contacted by someone who told him Oldham was in the hospital. Moon said the complaintant was concerned about who was caring for Oldham's animals while she was in the hospital.
After further investigation, police learned the animals were being cared for by a family member, but the family member did not wish to care for the animals any longer. As a result, police contacted Oldham who said she was unsure how long she would be in the hospital.
Oldham gave permission to police to remove all of the animals from the house and put several kittens and two puppies up for adoption. Oldham said she did not want the adult animals to be put up for adoption.
When state police troopers and Moon entered Oldham's residence, however, they determined the residence was not sanitary and the animals were in need of medical attention. Police later returned with members of the Second Chance Animal Shelter in Shaftsbury and Moon to remove the animals, which were taken to the Second Chance shelter.
Police say Oldham has been advised of pending cruelty to animal charges and made another request to have all of the animals surrendered. According to police, Oldham refused to surrender the animals.
A forfeiture hearing regarding the animals is pending in Bennington District Court, according to police.
Case UpdatesA woman has been cited on charges of animal cruelty. Police believe has been hoarding pets.
Catherine Oldham, 63, of Readsboro, was cited May 22. Oldham was released from police custody and is scheduled to appear in Bennington District Court on Monday.
Police began investigating Oldham in Readsboro when they conducted a welfare check at her home. Investigators noticed a strong smell of animal waste, but couldn't learn more because Oldham would not allow them in her home.
In March, a neighbor notified the animal control officer in Readsboro that Oldham was in the hospital and the pets in the house seemed to be unattended.
Police found what they believed to be unsanitary conditions in the home. Young and adult dogs and cats were found. Oldham gave permission for the young animals to be taken into custody by the state. At least six dogs and several cats were taken from Oldham's home. | Source: Rutland Herald - June 1, 2007
Update posted on Jun 2, 2007 - 5:19PM |
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