WALKER, La. (WAFB) – A Walker woman faces dozens of animal cruelty charges after authorities say they discovered nearly 40 cats and kittens suffering in extreme heat without food or water inside a local business.
Madison Rebecca Colello, 29, surrendered to authorities Thursday morning at the Livingston Parish Detention Center. She is charged with 17 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 37 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, jail records show.
According to the Walker Police Department, officers responded around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, to a report of suspected animal cruelty at “Waffles Way Home,” located at 9384 Florida Blvd.
Officers found an open door and conducted a welfare check inside, where temperatures reached nearly 100 degrees. Police say they discovered dozens of felines trapped with no access to food or water. Seventeen cats and kittens were found dead, while 20 others were rescued in severe distress, investigators said…