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DHSS Press Release

Molly Magarik, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: September 29, 2020
DHSS-9-2020

OAW ANNOUNCES ARREST IN CAMDEN ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

CAMDEN (Sept. 29, 2020) - Officers from the Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) arrested a Camden-Wyoming woman on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in connection to a recent animal cruelty case in which 184 animals were seized from a residence in the Camden area. Linda Favre, 65, was arraigned on 19 charges, including animal cruelty. She was released on her own recognizance pending a court hearing with the condition that she may not own or possess any animals until the case outcome is determined.

The arrest comes after a case of animal cruelty was discovered last week by the Office of Animal Welfare's Delaware Animal Services (DAS) unit, which enforces statewide animal control and cruelty laws. Acting on a tip, officers responded to investigate. DAS obtained and executed a search warrant to enter the property where animal welfare officers found 182 cats and one dog living in deplorable conditions. One deceased cat was also removed from the residence. Two additional cats have subsequently died.

The animals were taken into custody by Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA), the state's contracted shelter provider, where they received clean housing, nourishment, and medical care. Many cats suffered from conditions associated with neglect, such as malnourishment, skin issues from flea infestation, and upper respiratory infections.

This is the largest animal cruelty case OAW has handled since taking over animal cruelty enforcement at the state level in 2016, and it is one of the largest in state history.

"The conditions these animals were subjected to were horrid," said DAS Chief Mark Tobin. "No animal should live like that, and unfortunately, three cats lost their lives as a result. We are grateful that this was reported so that action could be taken. We feel good knowing the animals are in good hands, and will not suffer any longer."

According to BVSPCA, one dog and 118 cats have been placed for adoption or transferred to another shelter or rescue organization's adoption program. Sixty-one cats remain available for adoption across the four BVSPCA campuses.

"If you're considering adoption, I encourage you to visit a BVSPCA shelter near you," said OAW Executive Director Christina Motoyoshi. "You can make a huge difference in the life of a cat that was once so neglected."

The public is reminded to report animal cruelty to Delaware Animal Services at 302-255-4646.

Note: A photo of Linda Favre is not available.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person's spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

OAW ANNOUNCES ARREST IN CAMDEN ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

Delaware's Government