From Valleynewslive · · 1m 30s
Louisiana woman charged after 37 cats die in extreme heat
Nearly 40 cats found suffering in a locked business with no food or water; 17 dead and 20 rescued.
In brief
Nearly 40 cats found suffering in a locked business with no food or water; 17 dead and 20 rescued. Madison Rebecca Colello faces 66 animal cruelty charges after authorities discovered dozens of cats trapped in nearly 100-degree heat at her business and a second location. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Nearly 40 cats found in extreme heat
Walker police discovered dozens of cats and kittens trapped inside Waffles Way Home with no food or water. Temperatures inside reached nearly 100 degrees.
17 cats dead, 20 rescued
Seventeen cats and kittens were found dead at the scene. Twenty others were rescued in severe distress and received emergency medical care.
Woman faces 66 animal cruelty charges
Madison Rebecca Colello, 29, was charged with 17 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty, 37 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, 11 counts of cruelty to animals, and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals.
Second location also had animals
The investigation expanded to include Colello's home in Denham Springs, where deputies found 11 kittens and an adult cat locked in a sweltering garage. One kitten was so ill it had to be euthanized.
Police chief vows zero tolerance
Walker Police Chief David Addison said the department intends to send a clear message that this kind of abuse will not be tolerated in Walker.
“The number of animals affected by the cruelty is heartbreaking.”
Bond set at $40,000
Colello's bond was set at $40,000. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
The takeaway
Madison Rebecca Colello faces 66 animal cruelty charges after authorities discovered dozens of cats trapped in nearly 100-degree heat at her business and a second location.
