Louisiana woman faces charges after 17 cats found dead in extreme-heat conditions
Madison Rebecca Colello, 29, surrenders after 20 other cats in severe distress rescued from business in town of Walker A Louisiana woman faces dozens of animal cruelty charges after 17 cats were found dead at a local business amid dangerously hot conditions without food or water, with 20 other cats in severe distress being rescued. Madison Rebecca Colello, 29, surrendered on Thursday morning at…
Louisiana resident Madison Rebecca Colello, 29, is facing multiple animal cruelty charges after 17 cats were found dead and 20 others in severe distress at a business in Walker, Louisiana. The situation arose on September 12 when the Walker police department responded to a report of suspected animal cruelty. Upon entering the premises, officers discovered temperatures near 100F (37.8C) and dozens of cats and kittens confined without food or water.
Seventeen of the animals were found deceased, while the remaining 20 were rescued in dire condition. Colello surrendered on Thursday to the Livingston parish detention center, where she faces 17 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 37 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Walker police chief David Addison expressed his disappointment, stating that the animals' suffering was heartbreaking and emphasizing that such abuse will not be tolerated in Walker.
Emergency responders provided medical attention to the surviving animals, which were treated by Walker's animal control, the Denham Springs community shelter, and the Rescue, Rehome & Repeat nonprofit organization. Additionally, the Humane Society of Louisiana and Rescue Alliance of Gonzales, Louisiana, took in 12 cats suffering from upper respiratory infections and possible ringworm.
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