Owner of 22 cats pleads not guilty

One of the 22 cats that were seized from a Lacey-area home at the end of June has died, but the rest are recovering and hopefully will be put up for adoption in a couple of weeks, the director of Animal Services said Tuesday.

The cats' owner, Judith Lawson, 64, reportedly pleaded not guilty during her arraignment Tuesday on 22 counts of first-degree animal cruelty, a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The cats that were seized from Lawson's home were living in cages filled with their own feces.

Released

Lawson was released from jail July 1 on her personal recognizance, meaning she did not have to post bail. Her conditions of release include a provision that she not possess or care for any animals. She also must undergo mental-health treatment, court papers state.

Animal Services director Susanne Beauregard said Tuesday that despite veterinarians' efforts, including administering fluids and antibiotics, one of the Persian cats died this week. It suffered from respiratory distress, liver disease and other ailments, she said.

The cats, whose tattered, feces-matted fur had to be shaved off after they were rescued, "look like little aliens" but are very cute, Beauregard said. They are in good health, and Beauregard said she hopes to announce putting them up for adoption in a couple of weeks.

People interested in adopting a cat should e-mail Animal Services at shelter@joint animalservices.org.

Jeremy Pawloski covers public-safety issues for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5465 or jpawloski@theolympian.com.