Madison County State's Attorney Tom Gibbons filed animal cruelty charges against Shawn Scherer, 52. She is accused of keeping the 56 cats and three dogs at her home on Birdie Court in the Country Club View subdivision.
Authorities said the cats had upper respiratory infections and other untreated injuries. She is accused of having the dogs and cats in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
The animals were taken to the Metro East Humane Society for treatment. One cat and dog had to be euthanized.
If convicted, Scherer faces up to a year in the county jail, 24 months probation and a $2,500 fine.
Scherer's bond was set at $3,000 and she was expected to turn herself into authorities.
(KSDK - Oct 19, 2012)
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