Judge Volz sentenced Carrie Cagata to two years probation, $190 court costs, $100 cost of prosecution, and 400 hours of community service.
On September 19th 2008, a search warrant was issued for property Cagata rented on Jackson Road.
A deputy described the scene: “The floors were partially covered with urine and feces. There was feces in the bathtub. The stench was such that I could barely stand to be in the house. In the laundry room, I found a terrier. The dog was so thin that I could not only count ribs but vertebrae as well. The dog’s gums were very pale, almost white.
“There was a shed behind the house containing numerous cats. I did not enter this building because of the stench. I could see through the front door numerous cats in cages and crates. The litter boxes were overflowing. I viewed pictures taken inside by Animal Control Officers and could see that most of the water bowls were not only empty, but contained dust and dirt. ‘Cagata’ was written on the top of one of the crates.
“Also behind the house were several kennels containing dogs. The floors of the kennels were partially covered with urine and feces. Some of the dogs had open sores. Many of the dogs did not have water available to them. There was one tan dog in particular that was running in a tight circle. Animal Control Officers told me it appeared to be due to a condition called kennel craze. Dogs develop this when they are confined in a small area for a long period of time. The dog learns to hold its head to the side and only run in circles.”
Several animals were taken that day from Cagata's organization "My Best Friend, Inc." The animals were found living in extremely unsanitary conditions.
Cagata must now perform 400 hours of community service and cannot have contact with any animals during her probation period other than the pets she currently owns.
She also is not allowed contact with any of her former employees.
Cagata originally faced 120 charges of animal cruelty and abandonment.
The State went after her on two other charges they could prove.
Cagata has a court appearance Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. to go over her probation supervision instructions.
James Cullen, the caretaker of the property, previously plead guilty to charges in this case on March 24, 2009. He received 300 days in jail, 12 months probation, and over $1,900 in fines and court costs.
In October 2008, Lee County Domestic Animal Services was awarded custody of the animals confiscated in the case.
Despite the medical conditions of many of the pets, most were able to be adopted into new homes or were claimed their legal owners.
Anyone who can offer assistance by fostering pets in need until they are ready for adoption may call 533-7387 for information.
(NBC2 - Aug 31, 2009)
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