Cops Find 42 Dogs and Cats in Peninsula Home

Palo Alto woman could face animal cruelty charges

A Palo Alto woman faces possible animal cruelty charges after officials seized 42 injured and malnourished dogs and cats from her mobile home.

Officers were looking into a car crash outside the mobile home on May 27 when they noticed a strong urine odor. They also saw several small dogs running around the property. The owner, 56-year-old Ana Ramos, allegedly pushed the officers to keep them from coming inside the trailer.

But when cops did get into the residence, they they found 17 cats and 25 dogs. Feces was all over the floor of the trailer and there was only one water bowl for all the animals.

One of the cats required surgery, all the cats had ear infections and many of the animals were dehydated and underweight. Two of the dogs had ringworm and three are pregnant, the Palo Alto Daily News reported. Many of the pets are still being treated, but all are expected to survive.

Palo Alto police Lt. Sandra Brown municipal code only allows for three animals per home. The dogs and cats are now in the care of Palo Alto Animal Services. It's the largest seizure in the shelter's history, Brown said.

Ramos was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and committing battery on a police officer.

Santa Clara prosecutors say they haven't decided whether to charge Ramos. She's scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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