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Lewistown Woman Defends Herself In Animal Cruelty Case

LEWISTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A Maryland woman who had nearly 90 cats removed from her home is defending herself against charges of animal cruelty.

Kimberly McMillian-Stakes, of Lewistown, tells The Frederick News-Post that officials in Frederick County had issued her a permit for up to 140 animals and that she's operated a sanctuary on her property since 1991. She says her cats have never been neglected and that officials knew she had scores of cats.

McMillian-Stakes was charged this month and is seeking to have the remaining cats returned.

McMillian-Stakes says she gave the cats dry food twice a day and also fed them a "milkshake" of wet food, milk, vitamins and medication.

Animal control officers said they found 68 dead cats on her property, but McMillian-Stakes says that number if exaggerated.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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