Police recover 124 cats from Crystal home; woman charged with felony animal mistreatment

A Crystal woman is accused of hoarding 124 cats in a home that has since been boarded up after being found unfit for habitation. Meanwhile, nine of the cats with severe upper respiratory infections were euthanized.

Shawna Maria Duffy, 47, faces 10 felony counts of animal mistreatment, according to charges filed Monday in Hennepin County District Court. Her first court appearance is scheduled for April 30. An attorney for her is not yet listed, and Duffy did not return phone calls.

The Animal Humane Society and law enforcement began investigating Duffy following reports of illegal animal waste dumping in neighboring Plymouth along Bass Lake Road.

https://www.startribune.com/police-recover-124-cats-from-crystal-home-woman-charged-with-felony-animal-mistreatment/600359194/