Charges of animal neglect were filed yesterday, March 31, 2003, against the residents of a Spring Way home where 26 cats and one dog were rescued from deplorable conditions. Four citations were filed yesterday in the court of Justice Gene Zielmanski (District Court 05-3-10) against Wanna Smith and Patricia Danvers. The charges included failure to provide adequate food and water, failure to provide clean and sanitary living conditions and failure to provide necessary veterinary care to cats that were obviously very ill and suffering. Maximum penalties are $750 in fines and 90 days in jail for a guilty verdict on each charge.
Working in cooperation with the Allegheny County Health Department and the Western Psychiatric Crisis Team, Animal Friends rescued the 26 cats and one dog from the residence on Friday, March 28 after Wanna Smith requested assistance with �several� cats. What was found was a residence filled with waste, filth and cockroaches. While a number of the cats had free roam of the house, nearly a dozen were confined to carriers where they lived in several inches of their own waste and rotting, empty food cans. The dog was confined to a crate and was not let outside.
All of the animals are in the custody of Animal Friends, Pittsburgh�s No-Kill Shelter in the Strip District. Most of the cats are sick, suffering from upper respiratory infections, emaciation and other symptoms of neglect. It is expected that their medical treatment will continue for several weeks.
Animal Friends is asking for the public�s help in this case in the form of financial contributions, canned cat food and foster homes. For more information or to help, call Animal Friends at 412.566.2103. References« Back to Search Results
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