Cats and dogs infested with parasites
Presque Isle, ME (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Aug 19, 2005
County: Aroostook

Disposition: Not Charged

Person of Interest: Sharon Nason

A hearing is planned for a Limestone woman to show why nine cats and a dog should be returned to her after they were removed from her home Aug. 19. The animals were infested with fleas and ear mites, but appeared to have been fed and watered, said Jennifer Howlett, a state animal welfare agent in Aroostook County.

They are being cared for by the Central Aroostook Humane Society.

Sharon Nason of Vernon Avenue in Limestone is scheduled to appear in Presque Isle District Court at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, to show why the animals should be returned. If she does not appear, the animals are forfeited to the state.

Betsy Hallett, manager of the Central Aroostook Humane Society, said the cats and dog were not doing badly on Aug 30, but they are still being treated for the fleas and ear mites.

One of the cats has had a litter of kittens since the animals were confiscated, and they are all fine, Hallett said. She added that the dog still had a bit of an attitude problem, but he was doing better as well.

Sgt. Steve Belanger of the Aroostook County Sheriff's Department said his office began getting calls about the situation on Aug. 13.

On Aug. 19, Howlett obtained a warrant to enter the premises, and the animals were confiscated.

During an absence by Nason, someone was supposed to take care of the animals, but they were fed mostly by neighbors, officials said. One man, according to Howlett, was bitten by the dog when he entered the home to care for the animal.

"The dog was really aggressive, possibly from being locked up in the house," Howlett said. "He's entirely unsociable."

Howlett said she posted a notice at the property on Aug. 14, but never heard from the owner. She said the investigation has not proceeded far enough to look at the possibility of charges.

"I would like to talk to the owner first to find out what is going on," Howlett said. "Police had a problem with her last year when she took off and left animals."

References

• Bangor News - Sept 1, 2005

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