
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 10, 1994                   TAG: 9404100076
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: D5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: STAFFORD                                LENGTH: Short

STAFFORD MAN CHARGED WITH CRUELTY TO PETS

Animal control officers seized 13 cats and a dog from a house in southern Stafford County and charged the owner with cruelty to animals.

"These animals get food every day. They get water," said owner Melvin Cooper. "This is retaliation for some other things."

The officers wore protective masks during the raid Thursday because of the stench of cat urine. They found the cats confined to two bedrooms.

Neighbors had complained about Cooper's animals for more than two years. A portion of his home was badly burned in a February fire, and the county fire marshal condemned it as unsafe.

Officials obtained a search warrant this week after learning cats were still living in the house. Several cats escaped during the search.

Officers took the animals to the county shelter. They said several needed medical attention.

by CNB