Typical answer to animal cruelty - probation

OHIO -- An Ohio woman was ordered not to have any animals during two years of probation when she was sentenced Monday in Lenawee County District Court for keeping 22 cats in a trailer while vacationing at a campground near Morenci in August.

Mary Christine Chase, 64, pleaded guilty Monday to a reduced misdemeanor count of cruelty to two to three animals. A felony charge of cruelty to 10 or more animals was dismissed. She was immediately sentenced by Judge Laura J. Schaedler to probation and ordered to pay $500 in fines and $575 court costs. She is to seek mental health treatment and not keep any animals.

Chase, of Delta, was arrested after the cats were discovered in her 30-foot travel trailer on Aug. 27.

The cats were seized by a Lenawee County Sheriff’s Department animal control officer and taken to a veterinarian for care. Chase was granted a motion for a psychological evaluation in September and ruled competent to stand trial on Nov. 6.

(Daily Telegram - Dec. 23, 2014)

Earlier:

• Woman charged with cat abuse