WATERVILLE, Maine (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- Seven 'miracle’ cats are up for adoption at the Humane Society Waterville Area. The shelter received a call on October 5th of a serious case of animal abuse and neglect. Twelve cats were locked in a storage unit and stuffed into three plastic dog crates, for nearly three weeks, without food or water.
Rescuers report three were already dead when they were discovered, one died shortly after arriving to the shelter and another had to be put down for medical reasons. The remaining cats have recovered and are available for adoption. The shelter is also accepting donations to cover incurred medical costs.
Detective Sergeant Merl Reed of the Waldo County Sheriff's Office says 66 year-old Anna Elander owns the storage locker in Unity. They were discovered after another customer heard the cats and notified the property owner. Elander has been summonsed on Class C Felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals charge and is scheduled to be in court December 7th.