Dozens Of Cats Taken From Lewistown Home

LEWISTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Frederick County officials say a woman who was charged with animal cruelty after nearly 90 cats were taken from her Lewistown home wants the animals back.

Of the 89 cats removed, 19 have were put down and five have died at the county's animal control center. Animal Control Director Harold Domer said Wednesday that Kimberly Ann McMillian-Stakes, 47, filed a petition to have the remaining cats returned.

McMillian-Stakes was arrested Tuesday and charged with 104 counts of animal cruelty. She was released from jail the same day after posting $15,000 bail.

The Frederick News-Post reports that court documents describe the home as filled with trash and cat feces. Seventy dead cats were also found in coolers and plastic bags.

A hearing on the petition is scheduled for Nov. 16.

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