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Cats From Dumping Incident Now Seeking Forever Homes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ten of the 11 cats that were brought to the Berkshire Humane Society after being dumped in Richmond and Lanesborough on the eve of a snowstorm are now ready to find their forever homes.

Their story shows the power of cooperative effort, as the cats were captured by Animal Dreams volunteers, Lanesborough Animal Control, and multiple Good Samaritans.

Two Pittsfield individuals, Kelly Hathaway and Arthur W. Raney, are both facing 15 counts of animal cruelty for the alleged dumping of the cats. They had non-guilty pleas entered on their behalf in Pittsfield District Court in March and have a pre-trial hearing scheduled for May 9.

The cats are a range of different breeds, some with long hair, some with short and varying in color.  There is even a male Siamese mix with striking eyes named George Michael.

"All of the females are from Lanesborough and all of the males are from Richmond," Marketing and Communications Manager Catherine Hibbard said.

The females were given names that begin with D: Demi, Dixie, Darla, and Delilah, and the males were named after musicians: Ben King, Chuck Berry, Frank Sinatra, George Michael, and Dan Fogelberg.

One male, Eric Clapton, needs to improve medically before he can be adopted.



The cats' ages range from about 5 1/5 months to 7 years old. Two of the felines have interested adopters.

On the weekend of Jan. 28, more than a dozen cats were found on back roads in Richmond and Lanesborough. Over the next few days, rescuers worked to capture the cats and bring them to the Berkshire Humane Society.

Unfortunately, two of the cats died and one remains missing.

After the incident, the Berkshire Humane Society offered a $1,000 award for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the persons involved.

Adoption applications can be found on the shelter's website.

 


Tags: Berkshire Humane Society,   cats,   

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Superior Court Briefs: Nov. 14

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Cesar Lagunas, age 51, was found guilty of Rape and Intimidation of a Witness on Nov. 13 in Berkshire Superior Court.

According to the District Attorney's Office, on April 15, 2019, Lagunas raped a person and then threatened them with blackmail if they reported the rape.

"The survivor demonstrated immense strength and resilience throughout this process. I am thankful for the jury's decision and appreciate their service," District Attorney Shugrue said.

Mid-way through the trial, Lagunas, formerly of Pittsfield, fled to Mexico; however, Judge Agostini  determined that the trial could continue. A warrant has been issued for Cesar Lagunas arrest.

Chief of the Child Abuse Unit Andrew Giarolo represented the Commonwealth. Director of Victim Witness Advocates Jane Kibby-Pierce served on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. The Pittsfield Police conducted the investigation.

Since fleeing to Mexico on Monday, Nov. 11, law enforcement response has included the Pittsfield Police Department, the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office; New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigation.
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On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Angel Nunez, age 51 formerly of Troy, NY, pleaded guilty to 15 indictments in connection with an organized theft ring.

Nunez pleaded guilty in Berkshire Superior Court and was sentenced by Judge Agostini. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office requested two years in the House of Corrections. Defense requested a period of house arrest.

The Defendant was ultimately sentenced to two years of straight probation with the condition that he not commit a crime.

Nunez was facing charges related to three visits into Berkshire Bank locations on June 23 and 26 of 2023 and July 10, 2023. During these visits, the Defendant attempted to fraudulently withdraw money.

Nunez suffered a serious medical event while awaiting trial. Due to his condition, Nunez cannot be housed at the House of Corrections. A House of Corrections' facility does not provide the level of medical care that Nunez requires.

 

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