23 Cats Seized From Prince William County Home Animal Cruelty Case: Police

MANASSAS, VA — An animal cruelty investigation involving a Manassas woman resulted in 23 cats being seized, according to Prince William County Police.

Police started investigating on Feb. 25 at a home in the 7800 block of Howard Street in the Yorkshire neighborhood. The investigation started when a veterinarian contacted police about a 2-month-old Scottish Fold-type kitten brought to the office in extremely poor condition. The kitten was discharged against the veterinarian's medical advice.

Further investigation by police found unsafe living conditions in the home. Police believe the owner was providing inadequate care for the kitten and other cats, including giving expired medications that were prescribed to other cats.

Police initially seized eight cats from the home but soon learned all the cats in the home required medical attention. There were 23 cats seized from the home. The kitten initially brought to the veterinarian was humanely euthanized "due to his deteriorating condition," according to police. The other 22 cats received medical attention and have since been adopted.

The cats' owner, Svetlana Mironva Caulfield, 51, of Manassas, was arrested and charged with one count of felony animal cruelty and five counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.