Local Animal Sanctuary Owner Arrested

In one of the largest anti-cruelty raids of recent times, more than 600 cats living in squalor were seized from the property known as the Tiger Ranch Cat Sanctuary in Tarentum, Pa., by a team of animal welfare experts from the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).

In addition, nine dogs, six horses and one goat were also seized from the premises.

Neighbors said they have been trying for years to have the sanctuary closed.

The PSPCA obtained a warrant on Thursday from the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office to search the 28-acre property. The cats will be transferred to the Clarion County Humane Society in Shippenville, Pa., where they will be examined and treated.

Tiger Ranch is a nonprofit organization registered to 45-year-old Lin Marie, owner of the property, and has been in operation since 1994.

Its mission, as listed on its Web site, www.tigerranch.org, is "to provide a sanctuary (safe haven) for abandoned, abused, neglected, unwanted friendly and feral cats; a viable alternative to euthanasia." However, the site lists no address or contact information.

Marie, also known as Linda M. Bruno, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty.