Maine: Samantha Bell, who kept 64 animals locked inside her apartment, wants them back

MAINE -- The woman who had 64 animals seized from her Lewiston apartment Wednesday says she wants them back.

Police and animal control searched 116 Howe Street looking for evidence of animal cruelty and neglect.

 

  

 

Animal welfare agents have been investigating this since 2013. On Wednesday, agents removed 64 animals from the building.

Pictures from inside the apartment building taken by our media partners at the Sun Journal show the conditions. The animals are now at shelters around the area and receiving treatment, most of them were cats.

Samantha Bell says the animals were seized from her. She says they were well taken care of and wants them back.

“Yah we had a lot, but I took in the cats nobody wanted you know,” Bell said. “I've had animals my entire life. Living in the city without them, it's Hell, because it's the only friends you have. They don't stab you in the back, they don't leave you, they don't get mad at you, if they do, they still come back.”

The investigation is ongoing. Animals are not up for adoption yet, but officials say if you want to help out, donate to your local animal shelter.

(WGME - March 3, 2017)

Earlier:

• Maine: Animal Welfare investigated Samantha Bell for 3 years before seizing 64 animals in Lewiston