Lawrenceville couple charged with hoarding, neglecting dozens of cats

PITTSBURGH — A Lawrenceville couple accused of hoarding and neglecting dozens and dozens of cats is now facing a slew of criminal charges.

Channel 11's Mike Holden broke the news to Marcia Dinardo and Thomas Crory that they are each charged with eight misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals, one misdemeanor count of criminal conspiracy and 33 summary counts of cruelty to animals.

"I feel bad about the animals that they had to go through this," Crory said.

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Police were called to their 45th Street home in Lawrenceville in late April for a domestic dispute.

When they arrived, police said, they found more than 40 cats in conditions the police called "deplorable" and "unlivable."

The Homeless Cat Management Team in Tarentum tried to nurse them back to health, because most of the cats were malnourished, going blind, had severe fleas, ear mites and upper respiratory problems.

Police paperwork states the home was "dangerous to animals and humans" and "the entire basement was being used as a litter box for the cats to relieve themselves."

According to the criminal complaint, eight cats had to be euthanized because they were "suffering" and "they couldn't be helped."

Channel 11 spoke exclusively with the couple about the charges and why they took in the animals.

"We took care of these cats, fed these cats at our expense, that's just not true," Crory said. "I would not hurt an animal for anything."

Cox Media Group