By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – A total of 85 live cats and two dogs were seized Thursday in Howard Township, according to Cass County Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood, Jr. The Animal Control Division of the Cass County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Berrien County Animal Control Department, investigated a complaint of animal cruelty at the home of Carol Bowie of Barron Lake Road, Howard Township.
Along with the 85 cats, 30 deceased and frozen cats were removed from the residence.
"The owner of these animals was cooperative in allowing authorities to initially look at the animals within the residence," said Patrick Fetherston, Cass County Animal Control Director. "Following that initial walkthrough, a search warrant was obtained to seize the live and deceased animals within the residence and on the premises. A veterinarian examined approximately 67 of the animals on site."
An examination of at least 18 feral cats will have to wait until a later time.
"Probably every cat has an issue. Some are in very poor condition, some worse than others," Robin Rowe, animal control officer said.
"They are under veterinarian care. Now it is a wait and see. We will need to go through the legal system under civil forfeiture. If she can not come up with the bond money, they will be released for adoption," she added.
Bowie, 59, was arrested on a preliminary charge of cruelty to animals and is free on bond awaiting arraignment in the Fourth District Court. "This is an ongoing investigation," Fetherston concluded.