Cats removed from sanctuary

SALEM -- Humane Society of Columbiana County representatives removed a number of cats from Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary, 1859 Depot Road.
A search warrant was executed at the sanctuary. Atty. Nick Barborak of the Columbiana County Prosecutor's Office said the office could not comment on a pending investigation.
Pete Johnson of the humane society said the action took place Thursday in response to complaints that had been made about Alchemy Acres.
Julie Sacco and her husband, Steve, operate Alchemy Acres, a nonprofit 501c3 rescue operation. She said 16 of the 86 cats and kittens at the no-kill sanctuary were taken by the humane society.
None of the 100 dogs at the sanctuary were removed. Sacco said she was told the cats would be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Sacco said she and her husband established the sanctuary in October 2004. Since then, they have rescued 920 animals and adopted out 630, according to information on the sanctuary's Web site. The sanctuary is a member of the American Humane Association.