Watch CBS News

Woman Arrested After 12 Cats Found Dead, Dozens Rescued From Home

BROOKLINE (KDKA) -- A Brookline woman has been arrested after dozens of cats were rescued from her home, and several were found dead.

Heather Risko, 41, said she was sorry Monday as she surrendered to charges of animal cruelty.

A total of 39 living cats and 12 dead cats were seized from her property at Elmbank Street earlier this month.

Authorities were first made aware of the situation by concerned neighbors who said they could hear "meowing and crying" coming from the house.

After officers obtained a search warrant, they found Risko's home to be in deplorable conditions. Animal waste was everywhere in the home, including in the kitchen sink and bath tub.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

One dead kitten was found in the basement, 11 others were discovered in trash bags on the front porch. The majority of the rescued cats were taken in by the Homeless Cat Management Team.

Risko reportedly told officers that her husband had recently left her and she knew the situation with the cats "got completely out of control."

Her attorney Phil DiLucente insists the situation was an accident.

"It was never my client's intent at any time to hurt any animal whatsoever," he said. "The reason she had all the cats in that home is because she wanted to take care of them."

According to an official report, it is believed that the cats were neglected for a long time and continued to breed.

Heather Risko is facing charges of cruelty towards animals, harboring a nuisance, and violating number of pets permitted in city limits. There is also a warrant out for her husband Michael Risko, who could face similar charges.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.