Cruelty Charges Dismissed Against Tiger Ranch Owner

A district judge dismissed all 14 charges of animal cruelty against a woman accused of keeping hundreds of cats, some dead and dying, at a western Pennsylvania animal sanctuary.

The attorney for Linda Bruno said he wasn't provided enough information to mount a defense. District Judge Suzanne Blaschak agreed in a ruling Thursday in Gibsonia.

Humane officials said Bruno failed to provide adequate care for the cats at her 29-acre Tiger Ranch near Tarentum.

Bruno has said she took in cats that other shelters would not and that they were well cared- for.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it removed 406 cats in a raid last month. Several dozen have since died or had to be euthanized.

Bruno's battle may not be over, however.

Prosecutors will be able to file charges again, if they choose to do so.

Previous Stories: March 19, 2008: Supporters Rally Behind Tiger Ranch Owner March 18, 2008: Attorney Takes Channel 11 Inside Tiger Ranch Cat Shelter March 17, 2008: Donations Needed To Help Cats Rescued From Tiger Ranch Raid March 14, 2008: Local Animal Sanctuary Owner Arrested