Shelter Owner Faces Over 100 Animal Abuse Charges In Bucks Co.

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The owner of a longtime Lower Bucks County shelter faces over 100 charges for the alleged neglect of numerous cats and kittens found in "awful" conditions.

Margaret Vautard, 69, of Feasterville, founder of the shelter Cats Bridge to Rescue, faces 73 counts of neglect to animals, 43 counts of neglect to animals under veterinary care, and two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals for causing death, according to court records.

The cats were rescued from the Bensalem cat rescue organization by the Bucks County SPCA in early October.

The SPCA said the animals had endured "long-term suffering" living in the non-profit shelter.

Cindy Kelly, the SPCA's director of communications, told Patch on Wednesday that the charges were filed on Dec. 2.

She said the charges include two felony counts for two kittens who died, seven misdemeanors for cats who were not provided with needed vet care, and 73 summary for failing to provide a clean and sanitary shelter.

"Some cats were confined in filthy cages, others were free, roaming. The large room was filled with trash and animal waste and smelled strongly of urine," the SPCA said at the time. "Flies and fleas were visible throughout the facility. Sadly, many of the cats are in very poor condition."

With support from Bensalem Police and Animal Control from Bensalem and Middletown Township, BCSPCA served a warrant to the owner on Wednesday morning and removed the cats.

Officials said the rescue was unlicensed and that Vautard, the director of Cats Bridge To Rescue, admitted to the poor conditions.

The animals were transported to the SPCA's Lahaska shelter, where a medical team examined each cat upon arrival, with priority given to the sickest cats. The cats were later put up for adoption.

Anyone who knows of animals suffering abuse or neglect anywhere in Bucks County should call 1-844-SPCA-TIP (844-772-2847) or report online at buckscountyspca.org.