By VDC staff
A routine response to a disabled vehicle on Interstate 91 northbound Thursday afternoon led to the discovery of two neglected cats and charges against a Bennington woman, Vermont State Police said.
Troopers from the Westminster Barracks were dispatched at about 3:34 p.m. to the area of mile marker 15.4, where they found a vehicle operated by Marie A. Feniello, 65, of Bennington.
According to police, Feniello was already under court-ordered conditions of release stemming from an animal-cruelty investigation opened by the Bennington Police Department on Nov. 26. Those conditions barred her from possessing or having custody of any animals.
After confirming the restrictions, troopers searched the vehicle and found two cats inside a crate that was heavily soiled with urine and feces, police said. The animals appeared to be in poor physical condition. Troopers removed the cats and transferred them to the Windham County Humane Society for evaluation and care.
Feniello was issued a citation to appear Jan. 6, at 8:30 a.m. in Vermont Superior Court in Windham County to answer charges of cruelty to animals and violating conditions of release. Court dates are subject to change.
No bail was issued, and no mug shot was available, police said.