2 SC residents charged after 150 cats found

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — A Cordova man and his estranged wife have been charged with animal cruelty after officials say they found more than 100 cats abandoned at a home in Orangeburg County.

Forty-three-year-old Richard William Thomas and 36-year-old Amy June Thomas of Springfield were charged Tuesday with leaving the cats without food and water. Investigators say the animals were found at their former home Saturday.

County Administrator Bill Clark says the animal control office is working to see which cats are available for foster care or adoption. A veterinarian is examining the cats.

Amy Thomas told a magistrate she thought there only were about 15 to 20 cats when she moved out in September.

Richard Thomas says he thought she would take care of the cats after he left the home.