Former western, Pa. cat sanctuary owner ordered to shape up

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Prosecutors say a western Pennsylvania woman who improperly cared for hundreds of cats at a self-styled animal sanctuary has been violating her probation by not paying restitution, keeping horses in her name and going on shopping trips.

An Allegheny County judge warned 47-year-old Lin Marie, formerly known as Linda Bruno, to comply or face possible jail time at a May 28 hearing.

Marie was sentenced to two years of house arrest, 27 years of probation and ordered to pay $200,000 restitution in January after pleading guilty to 12 animal cruelty charges and two counts of tampering with records. Prosecutors withdrew more than 500 cruelty counts.

Marie’s attorney says she’s selling the horses, which are on a Maine farm, and that Marie thought she was allowed to go shopping.