Libby woman convicted in puppy mill case

A Libby woman has been convicted of multiple counts of animal cruelty after authorities shut down a puppy mill on her property in Libby and seized more than 120 animals.

Cathie Iris Warren, 62, was found guilty of three counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty and six subsequent counts of animal cruelty on April 20 in Lincoln County District Court.

According to court documents, Warren’s property was overrun with sick and malnourished poodles, suffering from a range of reproductive issues, social anxiety and a number of other medical problems.

At least 53 of the dogs in Warren’s custody were found to be without enough food or water to keep them healthy.

Court records stated most of the dogs seized suffered from ear or eye infections, matted fur, diseased teeth or issues with reproductive organs associated with overbreeding and a lack of sufficient medical care.

According to Lincoln County’s Chief Animal Control Officer Wendy Anderson, several poodles located on the premises were found in a metal horse trailer exposed to direct sunlight on a 90 degree day. Other dogs were found in crates, in a dirt garage, in a barn and crammed together into kennels meant for one animal.

“They were in horrid conditions,” Anderson said. “All the dogs were extremely emaciated, and some were so matted they could barely walk.”

Authorities also seized birds, cats, goats and six mules from the property. The mules all had elongated hooves and had not been provided adequate food, water or medical care.

Anderson said authorities were able to get to the animals in time to save all of them.

The canine survivors were treated by Dr. Melissa Genovese at the Whitefish Animal Hospital and are currently being housed at the Tobacco Valley Animal Shelter in Eureka and in foster homes, according to Anderson. The dogs will not go up for adoption until after Warren’s sentencing on June 5.

The mules were treated by Dr. Fred Conkel of West Gate Animal Hospital in Libby.

Each aggravated cruelty count carries a potential two-year prison sentence with a maximum $2,500 fine.

For the first count of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, Warren could face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. For each subsequent count of animal cruelty, considered felonies, Warren could face an additional two-year prison sentence and a $2,500 fine.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.