In October Bucks County SPCA and Bensalem Animal Control rescued more than 70 cats from a rescue facility operating in the township noting charges would be filed against the director.
On Friday an arrest warrant for CATS Bridge to Rescue director Margaret Vautard, 69 was issued on 118 animal cruelty and neglect charges.
Cindy Kelly, the SPCA’s communications and development director, said they removed two kittens from the rescue in early October, which died from a highly contagious virus.
The following morning animal cruelty authorities returned to take the remaining animals.
“It’s a chronic suffering. This didn’t happen overnight,” said Kelly. “There was just a lot of trash and debris and animal feces, smelled really strong of urine, a lot of flies, fleas. Most of the cats were actively scratching and very uncomfortable,” according to 6ABC.com
Kelly said the cats were receiving treatment for fleas, ear mites and respiratory infections, among other things, at both shelters in Lahaska and Quakertown.
The cat rescue although well intentioned is unlicensed and has been directed to make significant changes at the site, in past contacts with authorities. It also shines a light on an important cat rescue facility issue, Reed said recently, citing the need for legislative intervention.
Dog kennels are licensed. Animal shelters are licensed and inspected. However, cat rescues are not, Kelly told reporters.
Vautard obviously distraught by the animal cruelty accusations told FoxNews29 being forced to close the doors to the rescue after 12 years in operation ‘It looked bad so they closed it. And I feel horrible.’
No word yet on if Vautard will turn herself in to authorities.
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