ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A woman is being formally charged after more than 210 cats were found in deplorable conditions at two homes in St. Joseph County.
44-year-old Diane Pitone was arraigned on Thursday for one felony count of animal cruelty involving more than 25 animals.
The charge comes after St. Joseph County Animal Control received a tip on August 3rd about a home in Park Township where they found more than 150 cats in conditions that were described as unsafe for human occupation.
Then on Wednesday, more than 60 cats were removed from Pitone’s boyfriend’s home in Three Rivers.
Animal control officers say a majority of the cats were strays that Pionte brought in and left with her boyfriend.
The house in Three Rivers has been condemned as they work to cleanup the home and capture the remaining cats.
Pionte has not been charged for the situation in Three Rivers, only in the Park Township case.
Now, St. Joseph County Animal Control is asking for donations as they struggle to bring in hundreds of new cats.
In a Facebook post they said:
“We are in need of wet and dry kitten food, litter, pee pads, laundry detergent and bleach. We are also in need of gently used baby blankets. If you would like to donate, please bring it directly to Animal Control. If no one is available you can leave it outside of the gate. Animal Control is temporarily closed to the public. We are doing adoptions by appointment only. Please call 269.467.6475, ext 4 to leave a message.“
The case remains under investigation at this time.
