Polk woman, Nancy Pfund, disputes cat-hoarding allegations

FLORIDA -- A Polk County woman could face jail time after Animal Control allegedly found nearly 100 cats, two dogs, and a pig living in deplorable conditions.

Nancy Pfund was in court today, where she faces the possibility of serving 32 consecutive one-year jail sentences -- although no one expects that it happen.

The trouble started in April of 2014 when Pfund was hospitalized at Winter Haven Hospital for an allergic reaction.  During that time, Polk County Animal Control workers obtained a warrant to search her home on Lantern Lane.

Today, neighbors and other witnesses testified to what was inside Pfund's house.

“I was immediately hit by an overwhelming odor of cat urine and feces,” said Brian Torta, a neighbor. “As I turned and looked, I noticed the feces and mess everywhere. I immediately turned back around and exited the premises.”

In the end, Animal Control says agents caught 91 free-roaming cats, two caged dogs, and a pig. Of those animals, 32 cats had to be euthanized, which is why Pfund faces 32 charges.

In an unusual twist, Pfund founded the Polk County Cat Coalition, a "no-kill" animal rescue in 2011.

In a second unusual twist, she blames the county for the death of her animals.

The defense claims Pfund's cats were also seized illegally; because they had food, water, and veterinary care. They also asked the jurors to overlook the messy state of the home.

Before the trial even started, State attorneys offered Nancy Pfund a deal: Limit yourself to five cats and we'll drop the charges.

Pfund said no way.

Now, Pfund faces criminally charges and possibly jail time.

The reason they did this was because they didn't want to face a two or three year trial with all of those animals being held in a 'holding pattern': requiring veterinary care, taking up cage space a the shelter, running up a $100,000 bill everyone knows she'll never pay. When animals are held for criminal cases, other animals have to be 'pulled' and put to sleep to make sure there is enough space for incoming animals. This is a typical response from the DA's office. Offer a 'sweetheart deal' to get the animals 'out of limbo'.

This does NOT mean the person is not guilty of animal cruelty. There is NO way one person can care for almost 100 animals. There is NO way one person can clean 100 litter boxes each and every day.

(FOX 13 Tampa Bay - Feb 18, 2015)