Target: Mike Ramsey, District Attorney, Butte County, California
Goal: Pursue the maximum lawful sentence, lifetime animal-ownership bans, and full restitution after officers reportedly found 37 animals malnourished in a reeking, feces-strewn home where two special-needs children were also named as victims.
Reports indicate officers entered a residence after complaints about numerous cats and allegedly encountered floors smeared with feces and litter in most rooms, along with overpowering urine and feces odors that reportedly made breathing difficult. A total of 37 animals were removed, including 32 cats and kittens, three dogs, and two dead cats. Many of the survivors were reportedly malnourished and unhealthy, and empty water bowls were found inside. Two non-verbal special-needs children were also named as victims of child abuse in the case.
According to officials, the same household was reportedly at the center of a similar case in 2023. That investigation purportedly uncovered dozens of live animals amid neglect, dirty crates, and infested conditions. In the prior matter, one defendant pleaded no contest and was placed on probation with an animal-ownership prohibition, which was later reportedly relaxed after an online course. The other defendant reportedly entered a mental-health diversion that has now been terminated due to the new case.
This pattern of alleged neglect and cruelty demands a strong response at sentencing. A visible, proportionate penalty helps deter repeat offenses, protects vulnerable animals, and reinforces community safety for children and adults alike. The requested action is for prosecutors to seek the maximum sentence supported by law, lifetime bans on owning or supervising animals, mandatory counseling and compliance checks, and restitution that covers veterinary, boarding, and cleanup costs.
PETITION LETTER:
District Attorney Ramsey,
We are deeply disturbed by reports that officers entering a residence allegedly found floors coated with feces, air thick with urine and feces odors, and 37 animals in distress, including two dead cats. Many survivors were reportedly malnourished or unhealthy, with empty water bowls present. Two non-verbal special-needs children were also identified as victims in this matter. The defendants have pleaded no contest, and sentencing now approaches.
We respectfully urge your office to advocate for the maximum lawful sentence for all current counts, along with lifetime prohibitions on owning, keeping, breeding, or supervising animals. We further ask that you request conditions that include court-ordered counseling, unannounced compliance checks, and no-contact orders that protect children and animals.
Given the prior case reportedly tied to the same address, we also ask the court to order full restitution for veterinary care, boarding, sanitation, and related public-safety costs. Meaningful accountability here will deter further cruelty, safeguard vulnerable residents, and affirm that alleged neglect with repeat patterns carries serious consequences.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Roo72
