PENNSYLVANIA — A Johnstown woman is facing more than two dozen animal-cruelty and neglect charges after police say she abandoned nearly a dozen cats at a home in the city’s Hornerstown neighborhood.
According to Johnstown police, 48-year-old Christine Hozak is accused of leaving 11 cats without food or care after moving out of a residence in the 900 block of Ash Street. A neighbor reported the situation, prompting officers to respond.
Police said the cats are now being cared for by Project Meow, an animal rescue and rehabilitation group based in Portage. The organization has so far rescued nine of the 11 cats, while two remain missing. A kitten was also found dead inside the home, according to officials.
When questioned by officers, Hozak allegedly claimed she left the animals because pets were not allowed at her new residence in the Solomon Homes community and said she had tried to find someone to look after them. Investigators say her explanations were untruthful.
Authorities have ordered Hozak to reimburse Project Meow for the costs associated with caring for the animals. Online court records show she has been charged with more than two dozen counts of animal cruelty and neglect and is currently free on unsecured bail.
