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Bond Revoked After Deputies Allege Woman Still Has Dealings With Animals

Court Still Waiting For Linda Bruno's Psychiatric Exam

POSTED: 11:47 am EDT October 5, 2009
UPDATED: 5:43 pm EDT October 5, 2009

The former caregiver at the Tiger Ranch Cat Sanctuary is in jail, after an Allegheny County judge revoked her bond.

Linda Bruno is still awaiting sentencing for her conviction on animal cruelty charges.

Linda Bruno
Linda Bruno

Animal control officials raided Tiger Ranch in March 2008 and found hundreds of diseased, dying and dead cats on the Frazer Township property, including some dead cats stored in a freezer.

Bruno, who goes by the name Lin Marie, eventually pleaded guilty to 14 counts of animal cruelty. She was scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, but she was supposed to have undergone a psychiatric evaluation before then, which she didn't do, so the hearing was continued.

The Allegheny County District Attorney's office introduced evidence on Monday that prosecutors said shows Bruno continues to have contact with cats, both at Tiger Ranch and at her mother's house where she's staying. Having contact with animals is a direct violation of Bruno's bond.

The new evidence comes from women who said they've conducted surveillance on Bruno since the day Tiger Ranch was raided.

"The litter at Tiger Ranch was loaded with trash. And there was some litter at her mother's house, and evidence of empty cat food containers, plates, whatnot," said Carolyn DeForest, who collected evidence against Bruno.

"Lin Marie, heart and soul, is to help a cat. Whether it's a friendly cat or a feral cat. Whether it's young, old, it doesn't matter, she cares," said Betsy Fajayan, who supports Bruno.

The judge told Bruno during her court appearance on Monday morning that if she receives one more piece of evidence showing Bruno has any contact at all with animals, then Bruno will have her bond revoked and she will be taken back to jail.

Channel 4 Action News' Tara Edwards reported that deputies returned to Tiger Ranch on Monday and apparently collected more evidence that Bruno violated the conditions of her bond.

Detectives showed the court pictures of dog food, cat food and feces inside the Tiger Ranch on Monday.

In court, detectives also said that when they arrived at the ranch after obtaining a search warrant, there were several people on the property and that one person appeared to be burning evidence. They also said they saw cats roaming around the property.

Bruno's attorney argued the cats were feral and didn't live there. But police said the people at the ranch referred to the cats by name.

After taking a look at the evidence, the judge ordered Bruno return to jail.

Bruno's sentencing is now scheduled for December 4.



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