Northern California couple sentenced, banned from owning cats after Yuba abuse case
More than two years after authorities discovered over 200 animals living in squalid conditions at their Yuba County home, a Plumas Lake couple has been sentenced for felony animal abuse.
Yuba Superior Court Judge Benjamin Wirtschafter on Monday found Valerie Arens guilty of felony animal abuse and sentenced her to four days in county jail, according to the Yuba County District Attorney’s Office. She will serve two years of formal probation and is prohibited from owning cats for 10 years.
Additionally, Brandon Arens was convicted of misdemeanor animal abuse and sentenced to four days in jail and a one-year probation term. He is prohibited from owning cats for five years.
“It is important to stand up for the animals in our community who cannot speak for themselves,” Deputy District Attorney Kristina Joslin wrote in a statement. “The District Attorney’s Office is proud to serve as their voice and to seek justice on their behalf.”
About 160 live cats were seized on May 7, 2024, from a residence in the 1400 block of Sundance Drive, according to the DA’s Office. More than 40 additional cats, a turtle, a fish and a blackbird were found dead.
Several deceased cats were found in a freezer, according to the DA’s Office, while dead kittens were found in a cage.
“While some of the surviving animals were able to be rehomed to proper rescue facilities, many were found to be suffering from severe illness, and more than half ultimately had to be humanely euthanized,” the DA’s Office wrote in a statement.
Yuba County spent more than $160,000 on the removal, treatment, housing, relocation and euthanasia of the animals, the DA’s Office said.
“Thank you to Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and all the veterinary service providers for their work on this horrific case,” District Attorney Clint Curry wrote in a statement.
More than 70 marijuana plants, unlawful sewage disposal, hazardous electrical wiring and biological hazards were also found at the residence, according to the news release issued Thursday afternoon. More than $19,800 in penalties was paid this year.
