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Case #2799 Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Hoarding - over 200 cats
Anchorage, AK (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Oct 6, 2004
County: Anchorage
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 3 files available
Defendant/Suspect: Krystal Renea Allen
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
Police found more than 200 cats and other animals in a South Anchorage home on Wednesday, allegedly living in unsanitary conditions.
Neighbors thought something was wrong with the septic system, saying they've been smelling it for years. The stench coming from a house on North Circle prompted a nearby resident to call the police this week to find out what was wrong.
"I opened the door. I was really shocked. There were just cats everywhere," said Officer Jackie Valdez (left), who was first on the scene. "At first, my estimate was at least 100."
That estimate soon jumped to at least 200 cats, plus several dogs, birds and even chickens. Officer Valdez says all of them were living in their own waste, with little food and no clean water.
"Just a filthy place. It didn't look like the toilets had been flushed in a long time. Standing water in bathtubs. It didn't look like it would be usable at all," she said.
Officer Valdez had to grab her gas mask to continue sifting through the house.
"There was one particular little tiny gray cat that was wondering around, and these bigger ones kept messing with it. And it was making me sad. So I picked it up, and one of its eyes was really, really infected. So I brought it out to Animal Control, and they said they were most likely just going to take it back and euthanize it right away."
At this point, Animal Control is still assessing the situation, working to get the owners to surrender the animals. They are also trying to determine the number and condition of the cats.
"We are going to independently examine them, and see if we can put them up for adoption," said Beth Wallan of the municipal Animal Control shelter. "It's always hard to tell because I don't know the living conditions, we don't know their health situation."
The residents at 2825 North Circle have been ordered to vacate. They have 30 days to either clean up or make an appeal to the city before the house is torn down.
"You never want to hear about something this bad, where somebody's losing their home and possibly all the animals that they may not be able to find homes for," said Browning.
At the very least, residents hope the air quality on their street improves. Neighbors wouldn't go on camera, but one said that at one point, the driveway was lined with at least 90 bags of garbage, which they eventually moved to their garage. One woman says mice were everywhere around the property.
Late Thursday afternoon, Officer Valdez said she had spoken with the owner, who says she's trying to find places for all the cats, and will likely let Animal Control come in Friday to start clearing out the house -- something that could take awhile, according to Animal Control.
In 1994, Allen's home burned in a fire. Firefighters found dozens of animals and their filth cluttered inside. According to court records, Allen, whose last name at the time was Martin, was charged and convicted of cruelty towards children and animals.
Four years earlier, records show she was convicted of the very same charges when a police officer found her two boys, ages 4 and 7, and more animals living in unsanitary conditions.
Prosecutor's Contact Information:
Nick Spiropoulos, Assistant Municipal Prosecutor
Anchorage Department of Law, Criminal Division
632 W. Sixth Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501
Case UpdatesIt was one of the cities worst cases of animal neglect and today the public learns the fate of a woman who pleaded no contest to animal cruelty.
In October of 2004, animal control officers found an estimated 100 cats, 13 birds, three chickens, and two dogs inside fifty-two-year-old Krystal Allen's home on North Circle Drive.
Cats removed from the home were malnourished, infested with parasites, and infected with upper respiratory infections
The house was so unsanitary, responding officers had to wear protective gear to enter the house.
Though initial charges were harsher, a district court Judge ordered Allen to serve 30 days in jail, perform 80 hours of community service, and to pay a one thousand dollar fine suspended.
The judge also banned her from owning animals for ten years.
"I think it's very obvious that she is not able to care for them in the manner that they deserved to be care for. She's not able to provide a sanitary environment. That was the most important from an Animal Control perspective," said Dr. Myra Wilson, Manager, Anchorage Animal Care and Control.
Allen was also ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation and her home will be subject to inspections by Animal Control Officers. | Source: KTVA - April 25, 2006
Update posted on Apr 26, 2006 - 12:44AM |
Animal Control says 19 of the cats have been euthanized because of health and behavior problems. Meanwhile, the group Last Chance Rescue is taking care of dozens of Allen's animals.
One worker says 80 percent of them are in good health. The worker also says Allen has donated $500 to help Last Chance Rescue buy things like vaccines and food. To help with Allen's cats, call 868-8831. | Source: KTUU - Oct 12, 2004
Update posted on Oct 20, 2004 - 1:26AM |
References
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