Charlotte Brees had 201 sick and dying cats removed from her feces-laden home on Nov 12 and 13. The humane society called it the worst case of animal cruelty in the agency's 41 years of existence.
Three were dead and 157 were euthanized because they were suffering from various diseases.
The remaining 41, including some kittens, have various ailments including ear mites, upper respiratory infections and dehydration but no fatal diseases.
One week after animal control officers removed the 201 cats from Brees' property, it appears she is once again collecting cats. Neighbors have reported seeing between three and ten cats in her yard.
It is unclear how many cats might be in Brees' home once again. There is nothing that can keep her from collecting more cats. Neither the city nor county limits the number of cats a person may have. If Brees neglects the new cats, she can face additional charges if they are neglected.
A neighbor said, "She hasn't had time to fumigate that place .. now these cats are right back in there. I've got (her) cats in my yard. I've still got the stench and the smell. What can I do?"
Callers to the humane society have asked for leniency for Brees, saying her attentions are good but she gradually became overwhelmed by the burden of dealing with so many cats.
The humane society still plans to pursue criminal charges. Attempts were made in 1996 and 1997 to check out odor complaints at Brees' home but authorities were turned away by Brees. An attempt in the past week was also rebuffed by Brees.
No charges have been filed against Brees but she could face 201 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
She cannot adopt any of the cats that were removed from her home. The cats will remain in protective custody with the humane society while officials pursue the charges. The cats could be returned to Brees if no charges are filed. Case UpdatesCharlotte Brees, 56, is scheduled for sentencing Oct 13 after she was found guilty on 10 counts of animal cruelty Tuesday in Phoenix municipal court.
The Arizona Humane Society had to euthanize 160 of the cats found at her home because they were neglected and ill.
Penalties for animal cruelty include up to six months in jail, up to $2,500 fine and maximum of 3 years probation per count of animal cruelty. | Source: The Arizona Republic - Sept 15, 1999
Update posted on Apr 13, 2006 - 4:49PM |
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Back to Top References | The Arizona Republic - Nov 20, 1998 |
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