Louisiana woman arrested after 14 dead cats found in freezer

MORGAN CITY, La. (KLFY) — A Morgan City woman has been charged with animal cruelty after several cats were found in her freezer, authorities said.

Sheri Hite, 71, of Morgan City, is charged with 23 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Morgan City Police were called Thursday evening to a residence on McDermott Drive in Morgan City regarding a welfare concern. Officers said they observed several perishable items at the front door delivered in the previous few days that were not picked up by the resident.

Officers attempted to make contact at the front door, but no one answered. Officers went to the rear of the home, where they noticed a dead cat inside along with a strong odor coming from the residence, officials said.

Officers subsequently made contact with the occupant of the residence, Hite. Police said officers were given permission to enter the home, where an “unbearable” odor emitted from the residence and other dead cats were found throughout the house.

Detectives secured a search warrant for the residence and discovered eight dead cats in rooms and 14 other dead cats in the freezer. One cat was found alive and turned over to animal rescue, authorities said.

Hite said she recently picked up cats from the Baton Rouge area to take care of and that the frozen cats were being kept to be disposed of later, officials said.

Hite remains incarcerated in the Morgan City Jail. Bond details were not released.

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