Boardman woman charged with cruelty to animals

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Animal Charity rescued five malnourished cats after recovering them from the owner of a trailer home Tuesday morning.

The officers visited the residence of Valerie Thomas, 60, located in a mobile-home park on South Avenue, responding to a call from a neighbor concerned about the resident’s health.

The neighbor told police there was a foul odor near the property, flies swarming the windows and several cats inside the trailer.

Police found Thomas was still alive, as well as more than 10 cats living inside the home. The cats all were reportedly underweight and had signs of mange, while others were missing an ear.

Officers also observed the front door was detached, there was no running water, and the stove wasn’t working.

Police called Animal Charity, from which a humane agent with an ambulance assisted in removing the cats that didn’t escape.

Thomas was charged with cruelty to animals, and emergency officials transported her to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital after deciding she couldn’t provide for her health. Thomas has a history of similar issues about the condition of her home, according to the mobile park’s manager.