SAN ARDO — A 70-year-old woman from San Ardo has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and one year of probation after pleading guilty for failing to take care of her animals.
According to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Debra Kallmeyer was contacted by officials from the SPCA of Monterey County on Sept. 23, 2021, to see if they could assist with her cats after receiving a call from a concerned citizen.
“Kallmeyer denied needing any help and would not allow SPCA to check on the welfare of her animals,” the DA’s Office stated in a news release Friday.
Five days later, on Sept. 28, the SPCA was called to Kallmeyer’s residence again by a caretaker there after Kallmeyer was hospitalized. Approximately 31 cats, two dogs and three dead kittens were found on the property.
“The dead kittens had died from starvation and respiratory infections,” the DA’s Office stated. “The cats were found in unsanitary conditions with feces, urine and mold throughout their living area.”
The live animals were taken by the SPCA and given medical treatment for wounds and upper respiratory disease.
On July 13, Kellmeyer pleaded guilty to Penal Code 597.1(a), a misdemeanor for failure to care for animals.
She was sentenced to one-year probation on the following terms and conditions: 30 days in jail; not possess any animals for one year; allow her premises to be inspected by the SPCA to ensure that no animals are in her possession; undergo a mental health assessment by Monterey County Behavior Health Department; and pay restitution to the SPCA.
