Trenton woman charged with 143 counts of animal cruelty

Melissa E. Cowley, 56, of Trenton, Utah, has been charged with 143 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty following a raid on her Kitty Haven Sanctuary. The investigation began on March 23 after a citizen who visited the facility reported severe neglect, including animals with missing fur, respiratory issues, and unsanitary living conditions. Veterinary examinations of 163 cats seized during an April 15 raid revealed extreme emaciation, untreated infestations, and infectious diseases, leading to the necessary euthanasia of 143 of the animals.

Authorities discovered the facility in a state of biohazardous decay, with animal waste saturated into floors and walls. Investigators also found a dead kitten and 11 newborns at the site. The sanctuary, which claimed to be a cage-free, volunteer-based non-profit, failed to provide adequate food, water, or medical care to the cats in its custody.

Cowley was arraigned in Logan’s 1st District Court on July 13 and is scheduled for a follow-up appearance on August 17. Each charge carries a potential penalty of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. She is currently presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.