(OAKES, ND) – An Oakes, N.D. woman is facing 29 counts of misdemeanor animal neglect and one count of felony animal cruelty following an investigation that has lasted more than seven months. According to court documents, emergency personnel responded to a call in the 800 block of Grape Avenue in early March for a report of a woman, identified as Rita Fiala, who had fallen. When they arrived, authorities noted a strong odor of cat feces, which made entry challenging. Several live and deceased cats were observed amidst unsanitary conditions, a declaration of probable cause said.
A search warrant found 29 live and four deceased cats in the residence. The investigation determined that Fiala appeared to have been living in the bathroom, and she failed to provide adequate food, water, medical attention and a safe environment for the cats.
She will be in court on December 12 for an initial appearance.
