129 sickly cats seized
Mesilla, NM (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2007
County: Dona Ana

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Gina Gentile

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

The director of the Dona Ana County Humane Society said that 128 cats removed from a Las Cruces, N.M., home had to be euthanized.

A total of 129 cats were found but one of them died en route to the shelter and the rest were extremely sick, Humane Society Director Alan Davis said.

The felines' illnesses reportedly ranged from leukemia to untreated wounds, undernourishment and respiratory problems. Some were even unable to stand.

Animal control officers found the 129 cats, four horses, four dogs and three rabbits at a home on Tuesday. All the other animals are believed to be living and healthy.

Deputies arrived at the Mesilla Park home Tuesday morning to do a welfare check on the elderly woman. That's when they found the cats along with four horses, four dogs, a pair of rabbits and piles of dead cats outside.

As for the humans that lived in the house, 72-year-old Martha Gentile was admitted to the hospital for evaluation when the animals were taken, Gina Gentile, 40, was arrested while trying to sneak a cat out the back door in a suitcase, and a 15-year-old boy was reportedly taken into protective custody.

Authorities said Gina Gentile, the community development coordinator for the town of Mesilla, faces charges of animal cruelty, tampering with evidence and child abuse.

Additional charges are pending, including the unlawful taking of utilities which will be presented to a grand jury at a later date, according to reports.

Mesilla Marshal Angelo Vega said Gina Gentile has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, the Sun-News said.

"The Town of Mesilla is cooperating with the investigation," Vega told the Sun-News. "(Gentile) is a good employee, but unfortunately these things happen. The law is the law and we expect all employees to comply."

Case Updates

References

• - May 18, 2007

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