Oklahoma: Cat hoarder has animal cruelty case dismissed; fined $49

OKLAHOMA -- Mid-November, a story popped up in the news about a Shawnee family who was cited for having dozens of cats at their home just north of town.

“The cats case is resolved,” City Attorney Mary Ann Karns said. “She has only three, and they have been spayed, neutered, vaccinated, etc. The case was dismissed on payment of $49 costs, which has been done,” Karns said.

Background
On Aug. 12, Shawnee officer Abel Esparza observed what he believed to be an unhealthy situation.
In Esparza’s police report, an older woman –– referred to as Mrs. Dockery –– was in poor health.

The report reads, “There were at least 10 cats on the resident’s porch. … many cats inside her house, … the house smells of cat urine and feces. The odor was very strong, … she had several dogs and cats on her bed, …”

Support Services Administrator Chris Thomas confirmed, “Abel says that they conservatively saw 50 cats outside, but they do not know how many were inside. There were cats in the garage, behind and under the house and all over the place.”

Thomas said social services was notified.

After multiple rechecks, a citation was issued Sept. 4. The court date was Sept. 9. The officer was to do a recheck again Nov. 19, but the family’s lawyer was allowed a continuance, so the date was pushed back to Nov. 30.

According to city code, Shawnee residents can have up to six cats –– if all six cats are spayed or neutered. Residents may only have up to three cats if they are not spayed or neutered.

There was only one citation issued (for too many cats) –– at a cost of $249, according to the citation.
Karns said, “Technically (the family) could have been written a citation every day the violation continued, but the city had no plans to do that.”

Karns said the City prefers that homes be found for cats.

Karns said every employee at Animal Control is an animal lover. “So is the judge, and so am I,” she said, adding, “The rescue groups need more public support so they can continue with their mission.”

There was no order at any time to put down the cats.

(News Star - Jan 28, 2016)