The city of Albert Lea raided a house near downtown and captured 18 cats Saturday.

Tuesday, February 05, 2002

The city of Albert Lea raided a house near downtown and captured 18 cats Saturday. The owner could be charged with inhumane treatment of animals and a city code violation. But she complained that the seizure was inappropriate.

The raid by the city police and animal control was the second time for the same house, following one in fall 2000 when 73 cats were captured.

The city code allows a maximum of two cats and two dogs per house.

According to the police, Ginny Schroer, 58, allegedly did not provide enough care for her 18 cats, which constitutes a violation of state law.

&uot;The cats’ urine and waste were all over, and the house was deteriorated,&uot; said Albert Lea Police Department Assistant Chief Dwaine Winkels. The police called up the fire department for a building inspection.

Schroer said many of the cats had been left at her place by her acquaintances when they had become unable to breed cats. &uot;What can I do when some just-born babies are left at your door step?&uot; she said.

Showing 50 pounds of dry food and 150 pounds of litter, the resident asserted that all the cats were healthy and well taken care of. &uot;I lived for these guys,&uot; she said.

&uot;I am not bothering anyone. There were no complaints from neighbors,&uot; she asserted.

The captured cats are accommodated at the Albert Lea Animal Shelter near Frank Hall Park. They will be kept there for 10 days for possible adoption.