KTUU-TV reports 54-year-old Deborah Allen had been charged last October after 23 cats, eight dogs and a bird were found in unhealthy living conditions at her home.
She also was accused of mistreating animals at a nonprofit shelter she operated, the Chateau Pampered Purr Shelter.
http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/3965703/article-Anchorage-cat-rescuer-accused-of-animal-cruelty-?
It states that the animals in question were malnourished, sick injured and "wallowing" in their own feces.
It is unfortunate that it takes a situation to degrade to this level to get outside forces (law enforcement in this case) involved.
I doubt very much that this is a case of a "witch hunt" it is extremely difficult to keep that many pets in a particular area without the area becoming contaminated, causing serious health concerns for the animals. It is very difficult to get law enforcement to act in cases of Animal Hoarding unless there is significant danger to the health of the animals. Standing and playing in their own feces is not the issue, its the infections and sores and the physiological damage that living in a contaminated area causes.
Often Hoarders don't realize how far the extent of the damage goes because there are so many and it overwhelms them. they want to do whats right and feel like they are helping the animals, but can't handle it in the space they have.
These animals deserve to be healthy, not just have access to food and water and a space to play.