Woman Facing Dozens Of Animal Abuse Charges Reaches Plea Deal

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A Brookline woman appeared to be heading to trial after dozens of cats were removed from her home in May.

Heather Risko initially waived her right to a preliminary hearing today, but later reached a plea agreement.

Risko, who was facing more than 50 counts of animal cruelty, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. She also pleaded guilty to two summary offenses of cruelty to animals.

As a result of the plea, she received three years of probation and was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. She was also ordered to pay $100 to an officer whose shoes were ruined at the scene.

Pittsburgh police say Risko and her estranged husband, Mike, abused animals at their Elmbank Street home.

He was charged in the case and also reached a plea agreement in court today. He pleaded guilty to summary offenses and a violation of local ordinances.

In May, officers found 11 dead kittens in trash bags and another in the basement, which tests showed died of starvation.

Additionally, 39 malnourished and deformed cats were living inside the home.

According to the police affidavit, Risko said the situation had gotten, "completely out of control."

She told investigators that she and her husband were estranged and hadn't lived in the house since April.

Attorney Phil DiLucente said she had no idea that animals weren't being fed.

"It was never her intent to ever hurt any animals. She's a very caring person, but there's other issues that are always going on in life and relationships," he said.

The majority of the rescued cats were taken in by the Homeless Cat Management Team.

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