OAKES, N.D. (KFGO) – An Oakes woman is facing one felony for animal cruelty and 29 misdemeanors for animal neglect after police found dozens of cats without adequate food or water inside her home.
First responders were called to 74-year-old Rita Fiala’s home on March 4th after she had fallen. Medics had a difficult time entering the home due to the strong scent of cat feces. After contacting the state Department of Health and the state Veterinarian, a warrant was issued so officers could look into potential animal abuse.
A family member told health authorities they had tried to help Fiala in January, but the smell was so strong they were unable to.
An Oakes officer and a local veterinarian borrowed SCBA equipment from the fire department, and went back to the home March 7th. They found 29 live cats and four dead cats inside the house. They also found large piles of cat feces, as well as human feces. It appeared Fiala was living in the bathroom, and the house had no running water.
The living cats were taken to an animal rescue, and it was noted many of them were sick and did not have vaccinations.
Fiala was charged in Dickey County District Court Monday.
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