For eight months, the Allegany County Animal Shelter (ACAS) cared for 97 cats seized from Charm City Animal Rescue. They weren't able to adopt out any of the cats until the criminal court case was settled. A sentencing agreement was reached on Thursday and the rescue organization is finally able to start finding the cats new homes.
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Charm City Animal Rescue owner Michelle Ingrodi was sentenced to 90 days in jail. Her full jail term was suspended. In exchange, Ingrodi will be on three years of supervised probation with the condition that she not run an animal rescue in Allegany County. She must also submit to random home visits and surrender all the animals seized by the shelter, according to Becky McClarran, president of the Allegany County Animal Shelter.
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"We are thrilled that this case has finally been resolved and these cats now belong to the Allegany County Animal Shelter and can now be adopted," said McClarran. "Our first concern has always been the care and health of the cats. We want to thank everyone who has followed this case and those who have supported through monetary and product donations to the shelter and to the care of these cats."
McClarran also told ABC2 that Ingrodi is not allowed to own any more than the three dogs she currently owns, with no replacement allowed should anything happen to the current dogs. She is not allowed to own any more than the six cats she currently owns, with no replacement allowed should anything happen to the current cats, with the exception that she may always be allowed to have up to two cats.
Allegany County Animal Control staff seized the 97 cats from Charm City Rescue on December 27, 2016. The court case received a continuance as requested by Ingrodi until August 17.
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