Woman Charged with Animal Cruelty After Cats Found Deceased in Overheated Vehicle
NEW BEDFORD — A woman has been charged with animal cruelty after officers discovered two deceased cats in her vehicle, which had been left in extreme heat.
On Tuesday, July 15th, Officers Tyler White and Edwin Yat Toj were patrolling the South End sector of the city when they responded to Seabra Foods on Rockdale Avenue to assist Animal Control with a report of animals trapped inside a vehicle.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officers observed a black cat moving inside and were met with an overwhelming, foul odor emanating from within. Animal Control measured the temperature inside the vehicle, recording 106 degrees Fahrenheit in the front and 131 degrees in the rear.
The vehicle’s owner, identified as BRANDI LYN MOSHER, 53, of 80 DAVID STREET, arrived on scene and informed officers that three cats had been living in the vehicle. She stated she had left the car parked for about two hours with an electric fan running and food and water inside.
During a search of the vehicle, officers found it was piled high with debris and personal belongings. Two deceased cats were also discovered inside, appearing to have been dead for several weeks.
MOSHER was arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty. The surviving cat was surrendered to Animal Control and is currently available for adoption through Forever Paws Animal Shelter.
If you have any information you would like to give to the police, you can do so anonymously by calling 508-99-CRIME or visiting our website and submitting a tip.
𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: Upon further investigation, a third deceased cat was discovered. MOSHER is now facing an additional charge of animal cruelty.