25 cats, 2 dogs rescued from hot car at Ameristar Casino parking garage

[llg]

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/s...27992bc8b.html

ST. CHARLES - Police said today that 25 adult cats and two medium-sized dogs were found trapped yesterday afternoon in a hot car at the Ameristar Casino parking garage.

Someone called 9-1-1 about 12:15 p.m. Sunday after spotting the animals suffering inside a green Chevrolet Lumina on the garage's fourth level. The garage has six levels.

Police responded and found the dogs and cats--some inside cages, some out--crowding the inside of the Lumina, said St. Charles Police Lt. Mike Akers. The animals, soiled by their own feces, were left without water but with some food scattered on the car's floor. The car's windows were cracked open about an inch.

The outside temperature at the time yesterday was about 90 degrees. Casino security told police the temperature inside the garage typically runs about seven to eight degrees hotter than outside.

Police say the owner of the car, Lori Pellin, 39, had arrived at the casino about 11:45 a.m.

Police found Pellin was found in the casino hotel's computer room about 2:15 p.m.. She told detectives she had the animals because she was homeless and living in her car after having been evicted from her apartment about three days ago.

Pellin, whose last known address was in the 8400 block of Rock Haven Avenue in St. Louis County, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal abuse. Authorities believe she may have lived in Illinois because her car had Illinois temporary tags. Pellin may face more charges depending on the conditions of the animals.

Police rescued the dogs and cats and took them to St. Charles Animal Control for treatment. Akers said the animals are in fair condition and are expected to survive.

The cats are various breeds and mixes, ranging in age from four months to three years old. One of the dogs is an adult bulldog/terrier mix. The other is a white labrador mix.

Pellin has relinquished the animals to the city, Akers said. They will be available for adoption once they recover.

wow.

[Spoon]

fuckin' Wad

[Hoofbite]

Originally Posted by llg

wow.

Homeless after getting thrown out of her apartment, and now in a casino. Unfuckingbelievable. These poor animals.

[wiggly]

First of all, what an idiot.

Second of all, 25 cats? Really?

[Bnub]

You know she had a lot of stuff packed into the car too because she was homeless. How do you even fit that many animals into the car?

I can't even imagine what that car smelled like.

[Apollo Creed]

Originally Posted by Bnub

You know she had a lot of stuff packed into the car too because she was homeless. How do you even fit that many animals into the car?

I can't even imagine what that car smelled like.

Especially if some were in cages, I don't see how they all fit at all.

[Master Splinter]

Maybe she was on a real heater.

[Bryan]

Why would someone call 911 for some cats in a car?

[Apollo Creed]

Originally Posted by Bryan

Why would someone call 911 for some cats in a car?

Why wouldn't you?

I sure would, if it was 90+ and I saw some animals in a hot car, and they had obviosuly been there a while.

Looks like she's not homeless any more.

Police found Pellin was found in the casino hotel's computer room about 2:15 p.m.

So does she work there? Great reporting and writing P-D.