Blairsville women charged in feline neglect case involving 87 sickened, 13 dead cats in Derry Township

Two women who authorities say are responsible for 87 sick cats at a Derry Township mobile home were arraigned Wednesday on dozens of animal cruelty charges.

The abuse caused the deaths of 13 cats, according to investigators.

Pamela Curry, 63, and Kimberly Rose, 44, both of Blairsville, are charged with numerous counts each of aggravated animal cruelty and animal neglect. They were involved with Cat Aid Network, a rescue that housed the cats at the mobile home and outdoor sheds, according to court papers.

Both are free on $7,000 unsecured bail. Rose, president of the group, waived her right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

“She’s maintaining her innocence,” said attorney Timothy Miller.

Curry, treasurer, has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Oct. 23. Her attorney did not return a message.

Veterinarians who arrived at the Route 982 property in September 2022 reported finding unsanitary conditions with urine, feces, trash and fleas covering the inside of the mobile home, authorities said. The cats were suffering from respiratory issues, diarrhea, infections, parasites, mouth ulcers, untreated dental disease and malnutrition, among numerous other issues.

Curry told an agent from Justice Rescue Humane Society Police that the situation at the mobile home and sheds where the cats were housed had been deteriorating for some time and the animals needed medical attention, according court papers.

In text messages obtained by investigators, Rose said she “just wanted to help, and I got in so over my head. Everyone stopped coming to help, and I just failed,” according to court papers. Group volunteers told investigators they repeatedly offered help to Rose, but she refused it.

“The reported lack of action in this matter caused the felines unnecessary pain and suffering, and risked serious bodily injury,” humane officer Russell Harper wrote in the complaint.

Local rescue groups, including Ninth Life Animal Rescue and Frankie’s Friends, took in the felines and worked with Cat Aid Network’s foster homes. Ninth Life reported taking in 211 cats related to the property and Cat Aid Network. Frankie’s Friends reported taking in more than 80 felines.