Milford Woman Charged Over 89 Animals

Tonya Parrish faces 89 counts of animal cruelty following the removal of 88 cats and one dog from her residence on Bee Lane in Milford. An arrest warrant was issued on Oct. 29 after township officials and residents reported worsening conditions at the property.

Linda Richardson, a neighbor who lives next door, stated that the household produced a strong odor for two years. She said the stench intensified roughly three weeks before the animals were taken. Richardson filed a complaint signed by four other neighbors, prompting township zoning officials to visit the site. She was directed to contact the dog warden.

Court records describe the interior of the home as containing feces and urine. The documents state that ammonia levels were high enough to require firefighters to ventilate the structure. Personnel needed respirators to work inside. The records allege that most animals suffered from health issues, including respiratory problems and severe eye infections, and that they lacked clean food or water.

Richardson described the process of removing the animals. She noted that workers carried them out in large cat carriers. The neighbor said she was appalled by the final count of 89 animals.

In the two weeks since the evacuation, Richardson said the smell remains. She reported that neighbors are attempting to get the local health department to investigate the property. Richardson said the neighbors behind the home own a swimming pool but have avoided hosting parties due to concerns about the odor.

Richardson described the situation as sad and said residents are tired of living with the smell. She stated that the neighbors want the odor cleaned up. A court hearing has not yet been scheduled for Parrish. The board of health has not yet responded to inquiries about further steps at the home.