York Town News
Local woman charged with animal cruelty as search for cats continues
By Larry Favinger
YORK - York Police Department Animal Control officers are looking for three cats that were allegedly abandoned by a local woman more than a week ago.Barbara Kelleher, 57, of Triple Oaks, has been charged with cruelty to animals in connection with the release of the three domestic cats.
Meanwhile efforts are being made to locate two gray cats, said to be about five years old, in the area of the York Animal Clinic on Route 1.
According to police, the cats were left there while the clinic was closed. Officials said the owners of the clinic and its staff were not notified the cats were being brought there. The York Animal Clinic has been assisting animal control in locating the three felines.
Animal Control Officers Tom Porter and Larry McAfee said they have set out live traps for the cats, which have been missing for over a week.
The third cat, described as having its fur trimmed like a lion, is reported to be about 20 years old. That cat is believed to be at large in the Triple Oaks area of town, they said.
Porter said the three indoor cats were owned by Emily Parker of Oakham, Mass., who gave them to Kelleher because she was moving. The cats were reported missing when Parker came to York to see them.
If found guilty of the charge, Kelleher is subject to a fine of between $500 and $2,500, Porter said. Kelleher is scheduled to appear in York District Court on Oct. 5.
Anyone who has seen the cats is asked to contact the York Police Department at 363-4444.
