SALINA – The Salina Animal Shelter is beyond capacity after authorities seized a number of animals from a home.
Animal control officers, along with assistance from police officers, seized numerous prohibited animals from a residence at 1131 Prospect just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Salina Animal Shelter Animal Services Supervisor Vanessa Cowie and Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney.
Among the animals seized were three full-grown pot bellied pigs, four dogs, several caged rats and birds, and over 15 cats. The animals were living in unsanitary conditions. Cowie said there was a strong smell of ammonia as well as feces inside the home. She indicated that 51-year-old Stephanie Pankratz owns several of the animals, which were, were not being fed and watered properly.
All of the animals were seized and taken to the Animal Shelter.
Cowie said the shelter was already over capacity at the time the animals arrived.
Shelter officials are hoping to get some animals adopted quickly to make room for others.
The shelter is also seeking donations of clay cat litter and canned can food to assist with the care of the cats. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter at 329 N. 2nd.
This is the second time these animals have been seized by the shelter, according to Cowie.
In October 2014, the animals were seized from Playful Pets, a business owned by Pankratz. She received multiple misdemeanor citations in connection with the first incident. She was convicted of all charges in October 2015 and was able to get the animals back.
Pankratz faces further charges from Wednesday’s seizure. An investigation is underway to determine whether the animals will be returned.
Sweeney indicated that while the animals were being seized, officers arrested a 15-year-old girl on requested charges of assault of a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, and interference with a law enforcement officer.
Police also arrested 35-year-old Napoleon Svenblad on outstanding municipal court warrants. He was found hiding in the basement of the residence.