Kirkwood, New York -
A 49 year old Kirkwood woman is was arrested Tuesday. She was charged with animal cruelty.
Lisa Mistretta ran H.E.A.R.T., or the Humane Enforcement and Animal Rescue Team out of her home on 139 Burts Road in Kirkwood, New York. Though it was supposed to be a humane animal rescue organization, authorities say there were conditions which caused animal illness and suffering.
Volunteers helped remove numerous cats and dogs from Mistretta's home. Conditions at the home were poor and officials said many of the animals were ill. The Sheriff's Office has not said how many animals were in her care.
The Broome County Humane Society and volunteers from the Newnan-Coweta Humane Society out of Georgia assisted in the investigation.
H.E.A.R.T.'s petfinder.con page reads, " Welcome to Humane Enforcement and Animal Rescue Team, Inc.... We are a no-kill, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization run by dedicated volunteers... Our animals are not kept in cages but allowed to roam freely about the shelter. We require a home check and afford a trial period before the adoption is finalized. H.E.A.R.T. adopts to indoor homes only. All adoption fees are used for the continued care of the animals."
Mistretta was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and released with a ticket to appear in Kirkwood Town Court.
