A Hempfield woman is accused by state police of leaving seven cats behind when she moved out of a Unity home, according to court papers.
The felines were found dead amid garbage in the apartment after the new owner reported hiring a contractor to clean it out, troopers said. The contractor told investigators he had to buy a protective suit and respirator to complete the work.
He reported finding the cats in different rooms of the apartment.
The former resident, Erica D. Rojas, 46, told police she moved out in August but had been going back regularly to take care of the cats. Troopers said that ended in November. Rojas is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and animal cruelty. She was arraigned Thursday and is free on $10,000 unsecured bond.
Rojas declined comment when reached by the Trib. An attorney was not listed in online court records. A preliminary hearing is set for March 3.
