Cruelty Charges Refiled Against Cat Sanctuary Owner

Allegheny County prosecutors have refiled animal cruelty charges against a woman who runs a no-kill cat sanctuary in western Pennsylvania. Last week, a district judge dismissed charges against Linda Bruno, saying they were too vague.

Bruno was arraigned Tuesday on the refiled charges before Gibsonia District Judge Suzanne Blaschak. Bruno pleaded not guilty to all 574 counts.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals accused Bruno of failing to provide adequate care for the cats at her 29-acre Tiger Ranch near Tarentum, about 20 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Officials raided the sanctuary on March 14.

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

Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 17.

Previous Stories: April 3, 2008: Cruelty Charges Dismissed Against Tiger Ranch Owner 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