Hoarding 30-40 cats Noblesville, IN (US) Incident Date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 1999 County: Hamilton Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Diane Rubino

Case ID: 9072 Classification: Hoarding Animal: cat View more cases in IN (US) Login to Watch this Case

Two weeks ago when authorities went to Diane Rubino's apartment, they discovered a horrific scene. Rubino's 37 cats were sick, malnourished and there was cat feces and urine all over the apartment floors, walls, furniture and appliances.

Diane Rubino, 67, had been moving her 30 to 40 cats from apartment to apartment. It was determined she had lived in at least seven apartments in all. Destroying the apartments she lived in with all her cats.

Court records showed at least seven of Rubino's past landlords have spent tens of thousands of dollars collectively trying to cleaning up the apartments after she left their property.

When the Hamilton County Humane Society received the cats, all but two of her 37 cats had to be destroyed. More than half tested positive for feline leukemia, many had mange. The cats were scared and unfriendly.

A decision has not been made as to whether Rubino will be charged with animal neglect. She was unable to rent an apartment so she is living with friends. Rubino feels the publicity about this case will force her to leave the area.

Rubino admits to having more cats than she could handle. She said, "It's true I had too many animals in each of those places, but what else could I do? I just got stuck with a bunch of cats."

"I fed my cats when I couldn't feed myself." Rubino says she promises it won't happen again.

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References

Indianapolis Star News - Aug 3, 1999

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