Misdemeanor charge filed in New Maysville puppy case
A New Maysville woman is charged with one Class A misdemeanor after police seized 67 small dogs from her home and property on Jan. 14.
The Putnam County Prosecutor's Office has filed a charge of cruelty to an animal against 67-year-old Katherine Fishburn in Putnam Superior Court.
Authorities from the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Indiana Board of Animal Health, Putnam County Health Department and For Paws Sake K-9 Rescue seized the dogs from "Kat's Kennel of Love," located at 6530 E. CR 900 North after a would-be customer reported the conditions to police.
Deputy Mike Downing fielded the original complaint on Jan. 13, finding unsanitary conditions and an overwhelming smell of dog waste.
Downing reported a strong odor from 25 to 30 feet away from the house. Conditions were so bad that when he returned, the dputy wore a gas mask.
Downing returned with the other officials the following day, serving a search warrant.
When they found a broken water pipe in the barn that prevented dogs from getting water, authorities made the move to seize the animals.
The dogs were taken to three area rescues -- For Paws Sake, Lucky Pups and Helping Pawz -- where they have been cared for in the weeks since.
The Dachshunds and Chihuahuas seized have been treated for a number of health problems, including malnutrition, missing hair, various growths and foot problems such as overgrown toenails and raw pads.
A Class A misdemeanor carries up to a one-year sentence and a fine of as much as $5,000.
Fishburn has not been arrested but a summons has been issued for her to appear in Putnam Superior Court for an initial hearing at 9 a.m. on Feb. 19.