50 cats rescued from animal 'sanctuary,' owner charged with cruelty

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Sheriff's deputies rescued nearly 30 cats after finding them diseased and in bad condition at a "sanctuary" in Ohio, Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones announced Thursday.

Lesli Martin, 51, is facing a misdemeanor charge of cruelty to a companion animal, Jones said on Facebook. Martin reportedly was in charge of the Heart's Rescue Sanctuary located at 621 Breiel Boulevard in Middletown.

"It's a shame it has come to this," Jones said. "These animals were supposed to be cared for by rescue businesses. It's the basis of their existence. It's not a good day when my employees have to rescue animals from a place of rescue."

The sheriff's office and dog wardens executed a search warrant at the business, where Jones said more than 49 cats were found.

Five of the cats that were removed had to be euthanized, and 21 cats are still at the sanctuary and under the care of different personnel.

"We gave Ms. Martin ample time to comply with current laws involving these animals, and she just didn't come through," said Deputy Dog Warden Kurt Merbs in a release. "Most of the cats have infections and diseases and not all of them are treatable."

Cox Media Group