Phoenix-area woman with 11 cats suspected of animal abuse, neglect
Jan 10, 2017, 5:41 PM | Updated: Jan 11, 2017, 1:02 pm
(Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Photo)
(Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Photo)
PHOENIX — A Phoenix-area woman who owned at least 11 cats was arrested on suspicion of animal abuse and neglect on Tuesday, officials said.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said at least one cat was found dead at the home of 72-year-old Joan Irene Reynolds.
Sheriff’s deputies received complaints about the home — located near Glendale Avenue and El Mirage Road in Glendale — on Monday. They said the cats living in Reynolds’ home were malnourished and in poor health. A dog was also found.
She told deputies she had stored one dead cat in a plastic bag outside the home for several months.
The living conditions inside the home posed a danger to Reynolds, the cats and anyone who entered the home.
The animals were seized and taken to a veterinarian for treatment.
Reynolds does not have any family. She was working with social services to find another place to live.
