Louisiana Woman Faces Dozens Of Animal Cruelty Charges After 17 Cats Found Dead

WALKER, La. — A Louisiana woman is facing dozens of animal cruelty charges after authorities say they discovered a disturbing scene inside a Walker business, where nearly 40 cats and kittens were allegedly left in extreme heat without adequate food or water.

Madison Rebecca Colello, 29, of Walker, surrendered to authorities Thursday morning at the Livingston Parish Detention Center following an investigation into the condition of the animals.

According to jail records and investigators, Colello faces 17 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 37 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Additional records also list 11 counts of cruelty to animals and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals.

The investigation began Saturday, September 12, when Walker police responded to a report of suspected animal cruelty at Waffles Way Home, a business on Florida Boulevard.

When officers arrived, they found an open door and entered to conduct a welfare check. Investigators said temperatures inside the building were approaching 100 degrees.

Inside, officers reportedly encountered dozens of cats and kittens in distress. Authorities said the animals had been left without access to food or water.

The discovery quickly turned into a large-scale animal rescue operation.

Of the 37 cats and kittens found inside the business, 17 were dead, while another 20 survived and were removed from the building in severe distress.

Walker Animal Control responded to the scene along with representatives from the Denham Springs Animal Shelter and volunteers with Rescue, Rehome & Repeat, who worked to provide emergency care and shelter for the surviving animals.

Walker Police Chief David Addison described the situation as heartbreaking and said authorities intend to hold those responsible accountable.

Detectives identified Colello as the person allegedly responsible for the business and the animals inside. Investigators subsequently obtained an arrest warrant.

The investigation did not end at the business.

Authorities also examined a residence in nearby Denham Springs, where deputies reportedly discovered 11 kittens and an adult cat inside a sweltering garage. Although investigators said the garage itself was clean, the extreme heat and lack of veterinary care reportedly left several of the kittens in poor condition.

One of the kittens was reportedly suffering so severely that it had to be euthanized.

The surviving animals are now receiving care as animal welfare organizations and volunteers work to stabilize them and find appropriate shelter.

The case has drawn attention because of the sheer number of animals involved and the number of charges filed against Colello. Investigators say the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the condition of the surviving animals remain under investigation, and additional charges could be possible.

Colello surrendered to authorities Thursday as investigators continued working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the animals’ deaths and alleged neglect.