We are deeply disappointed by the outcome of a shocking animal cruelty case in Pennsylvania. Despite overwhelming evidence of extreme suffering inflicted on hundreds of cats, the sentence handed down to the convicted offender fell far short of delivering true justice.

Kimberly Rose, president of the now-defunct Cat Aid Network, was convicted of aggravated cruelty, torture, and extreme neglect involving more than 300 cats. Instead of prison time, she walked away with only eight years of probation to be served concurrently — meaning she could serve as little as two years of supervised probation.

Rose faced 26 counts of third-degree felony aggravated cruelty to animals, with 13 for torture and 13 for causing serious bodily injury or death, along with more than 100 misdemeanor counts of animal neglect. Each felony charge could have brought up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine. In total, Rose could have faced 182 years and $390,000 in fines had she been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Most charges were dropped under a plea deal.

In Defense of Animals presented District Attorney Adam Joshua Barr with a letter signed by 10,312 animal advocates supporting the maximum prosecution of Kiberly Rose and fellow Cat Aid board member Pamela Curry, whose case remains pending. 

It would seem that District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli cares very little for seeing justice served.

While Barr is not pictured here, we have included a photo of his superior, District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli, to show the leadership of the office overseeing this case. The disappointing final sentence sends a troubling message to future abusers that severe animal cruelty may carry little consequence.

Judge Michael J. Stewart II was not willing to punish animal abuse.

We encourage concerned supporters to reach out to all three key judicial and prosecutorial figures in this case. Please call or write to District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli to demonstrate community concern, and also Assistant District Attorney Adam Josh Barr, who handled the prosecution. Additionally, please reach out to Judge Michael J. Stewart II, who presided over the sentencing. 

Let them know this sentence sends the wrong message about animal cruelty laws and that future cases demand consequences that truly reflect the immense suffering caused. Respectful, direct communication from the public can help ensure that decision-makers understand the seriousness of animal cruelty and the expectation for stronger penalties.

District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli & Assistant District Attorney Adam J. Barr
Office of the District Attorney
2 N Main Street, Suite 206
Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: (724) 830‑3949

The Honorable Michael J. Stewart II
Court of Common Pleas – Family Court Division
Westmoreland County Courthouse
2 North Main Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: 724‑830‑3489

The investigation, led by Animal Control Officer Russ Harper after he was sworn in to Westmoreland County, uncovered appalling conditions at Cat Aid Network’s mobile unit in Derry Township. Veterinarian Dr. Danielle Vought documented cats suffering from permanent respiratory damage, ulcerated mouths, gingivitis, fleas, diarrhea, and untreated infections. The trailer was littered with garbage and reeked of ammonia from widespread urine and feces contamination, with no litterboxes for the cats. Thirteen cats were found dead inside.

The suffering didn’t end there. Ninth Life Rescue in Greensburg removed 211 cats from the property, many of whom had originally been placed in foster homes and were later reclaimed under false pretenses. Frankie’s Friends took in more than 80.

Whether through hoarding, fraud, or negligence, the harm caused by Rose was profound. This case devastated not only the animal victims but also the rescue community that worked tirelessly to save them. Sentences in such cases must reflect the severity of the suffering inflicted — and serve as a deterrent for future cruelty.

Learn more about how we help the victims of animal cruelty, and please consider donating to support our lifesaving work.