OAKES, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) – Rita Fiala, a 74-year-old woman from Oakes, has been charged with one felony count of animal cruelty and 29 misdemeanor counts of animal neglect.
The charges stem from an incident on March 4th when first responders were called to her home after she had fallen. The medics encountered difficulties entering the house due to the strong scent of cat feces emanating from inside.
Following a warrant being issued by the state Department of Health and Veterinarian, officers conducted another visit to Fiala’s residence on March 7th with assistance from local veterinarians who borrowed SCBA equipment. They found 29 live cats and four dead cats within the house. The conditions were described as extremely unsanitary, with large piles of cat feces present alongside human waste.
It appeared that Fiala was living in the bathroom at this time, and there was no running water available throughout the home.
The surviving cats were taken to an animal rescue facility where it was noted many of them showed signs of illness without receiving necessary vaccinations.
Fiala faced charges in Dickey County District Court on Monday.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for trfnews.i234.me