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700 cats land Florida couple in jail on 47 counts of animal cruelty
A Florida couple have be charged with 47 counts animal cruelty after authorities seized 697 cats from their home.
Not to be confused with Nat Geo star and lawful keeper of 700 cats Lynea Lattanzio (pictured above), Pennie and Steve Lefkowitz had been operating the Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary in High Springs, Florida when the county intervened.
The Gainsville Sun reports that more than 60 of the cats were promptly euthenized for advanced disease, while the remaining felines have been collected and cared for in a local warehouse where they're being readied for adoption.
As for the Lefkowitzes, MSNBC says they're free on bail. And Pennie, who spoke about the issue in June, insisted that she and her husband weren't hoarders. They just wanted to help as many cats as possible.
And, for the record, only 46 of the 47 counts of animal cruelty were for the cats. There was 1 rooster involved. His fate is not known at this time.
Not to be confused with Nat Geo star and lawful keeper of 700 cats Lynea Lattanzio (pictured above), Pennie and Steve Lefkowitz had been operating the Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary in High Springs, Florida when the county intervened.
The Gainsville Sun reports that more than 60 of the cats were promptly euthenized for advanced disease, while the remaining felines have been collected and cared for in a local warehouse where they're being readied for adoption.
As for the Lefkowitzes, MSNBC says they're free on bail. And Pennie, who spoke about the issue in June, insisted that she and her husband weren't hoarders. They just wanted to help as many cats as possible.
And, for the record, only 46 of the 47 counts of animal cruelty were for the cats. There was 1 rooster involved. His fate is not known at this time.
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Photo/Video credit: Nat Geo
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This is the worst case of hording that I have ever heard in my life. These people should be ashamed of themselves.
There is no way anyone can love and care for 700 cats, I do believe that is animal cruelty, they would need to hire more people to help care for the cats, then that would be okay, but this is awful!
wow. now that's a lot of *****.
Because these cats wouldve been much better off on their own alone? what a bunch of bs. How can they be put in jail for trying to take car of animals?
It's one thing to start your own homeless shelter for unwanted animals - but you need to spay all the females to keep from having additional litters of kittens. Otherwise you are adding to the problem. This is a big financial burden for anyone - they should have asked for help.
The cats she is surrounded by look VERY healthy and happy! Looks like the cats spent most time outdoors like a colony and are socialized with her. I'm missing some details here on how this is cruelty. 10 % in advanced disease is likely consistent with animal population, especially since she took in strays and other unwanted cats. I am unaware if a cat has cancer anyone is required to euthanize it, as they weren't the cause of dying- just like you aren't required to end your mother's life if she has cancer. Looks like she tried to do a really good thing...and unless there is some abuse I'm not seeing- those are WELL FED WELL CARED for felines in that photo. I had 1 cat euthanized for cancer that had spread throughout her body and still regret it. It was 6 hours in the vet with a cat who was stressed beyond what was needed and likely suffered more.
So why publish a picture of Lynea Lattanzio to accompany this article? Why even mention her? Now when you goole 'Lynea Lattanzio' this ****** story comes up. Pointless.