An extreme case of animal hoarding was discovered in Wichita several weeks ago. After receiving a call from a concerned neighbor, Wichita police investigated and found knee-deep trash and thirty one dead cats. They also discovered two malnourished dogs that had been feeding on the cats, both flea infested.
The police found the owner of the animals, a 69-year-old woman. She claimed she had been in the hospital and was staying at a friend’s house. Animal control officers confiscated both the dogs.
The authorities are considering criminal charges. Animal cruelty charges have a maximum penalty of a year in jail, as well as a maximum $2,500 fine.
City laws in Wichita state that residents may have two dogs and two cats without an Animal Maintenance Permit (AMP). With an AMP, a person is allowed to have up to four cats and four dogs. Laws also state that if you have one dog, you must clean the yard at least once a week to prevent odor and flies. If you have more than one dog, you must clean the yard as many times a week as the number of dogs you have.
Animals such as rabbits, chickens, goats, horses, etc also require an AMP.
For an Animal Maintenance Permit or more information, call the Environmental Health Department at 268-8351.
