Barnet animals recovering after rescue from "worst case of animal abuse" ever seen by some officials

UPDATE: Mother and son plead "not guilty" to charges of animal cruelty; animals seized from squalor still need homes. Click here to read the latest on WCAX.com

A 71-year-old woman and her 41-year-old son were charged with animal cruelty and have signed over the animals for treatment, rehab, and adoption. Amid the bodies of those who did not make it, rescued alive were five cats, two ferrets, a lizard, a gecko, a rabbit, a python, a gerbil, a tarantula, a chinchilla, a guinea pig, a tortoise, a mouse and a dog. Caledonia County officials say the animals are being cared for in foster homes.

Click here to read this story on CBS News.

Click here to read more on Fox 44 Burlington.

How you can help:

Please donate toward the care of the rescued animals!
Make checks out to "The Rosie Fund" and send to:

TD Banknorth
PO Box 128
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

Adopt your new best friend!

Three of the cats need forever homes. Two are ready to go right now The third will be ready in about a week. A mouse and a hamster need forever, loving homes, too. The rescued snake needs an adopter experienced with reptiles. Please contact Barnet Animal Control Officer Jo Guertin at guertin@kingcon.com

Posted by Sheryl Rapee-Adams, Best Friends Network volunteer
Photo retrieved from sxc.hu; cats pictured are not involved in this case