Hoarding - 20 cats seized, one found dead Hollywood, CA (US) Incident Date: Wednesday, Dec 28, 2005 County: Los Angeles Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Charges: Misdemeanor Case Images: 1 files available Abusers/Suspects: » Leslie J. Dugan » Mark Kincaid Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 8913 Classification: Hoarding Animal: cat View more cases in CA (US) Login to Watch this Case

A North Hollywood woman and her son were charged with animal cruelty on June 13 after investigators found 20 ill cats in their one-bedroom apartment, the City Attorney's office said.

Leslie Dugan, 56, and her son Mark Kincaid, 38, were each charged with 20 counts of animal cruelty following an investigation by animal welfare officers.

If convicted, each face a penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for each animal cruelty charge. Their arraignment has been set for July 25.

�These were horrendous conditions, not just for the animals, but the people living there as well,� City Attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan said. �This sort of inhumane treatment of animals is never acceptable.�

Neither Dugan nor Kincaid could be reached for comment.

On Dec. 28, 2005, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Los Angeles officers were called to the Dugan home after receiving complaints of a strong smell of urine and feces, Mateljan said.

After Dugan refused entry to investigators and cancelled several appointments for return visits, a search warrant was executed on Jan. 17.

Investigators encountered an unventilated apartment, with the kitchen covered in feces and urine, Mateljan said. Cats were seen in every room sneezing, wheezing, and acting lethargic.

Twenty cats were seized and placed in protective custody. One dead cat was taken from the apartment.

Veterinarians later reported that most of the cats were dehydrated and malnourished, with many suffering from infections because of tapeworms. Each cat had severe ear mites and ear infections. Some had gum disease and ulcers on their eyes. Others struggled to breathe.

All of the animals have been treated, Mateljan said, and will soon be available for adoption at city animal shelters.

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References

LA Daily News - June 13, 2006

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