CASPER, WYOMING – Bridget Sue Ray Cochrun, 32, is facing 20 charges of cruelty to animals after a hoard of 22 animals, some emaciated and sick, was removed from her Blue Sage Lane home last month by Casper Police Department animal protection officers. Cochrun’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 19 in Natrona County Circuit Court.
An arrest affidavit alleges that when officers arrived at her home on Dec. 6, they found feces all over the floors and a strong smell of ammonia from urine build up. Three dogs were locked inside small wire crates and an officer counted 13 dogs in the home. All the dogs appeared emaciated and had lesions on their heads and bodies. Officers also saw several kittens running around and two cats that appeared sick and emaciated. All the animals had urine-stained paws with overgrown nails.
Officers removed 13 dogs, seven cats, one rabbit, and a chicken, and took them to Altitude Veterinary Hospital West. A veterinarian told officers all the animals, except the rabbit, were malnourished. They all appeared to have ringworm on their bodies and some were very dehydrated.
One witness contacted by police indicated Cochrun only fed the animals every two or three days. The witness, who had previously stayed at the home, said when he tried to feed the animals, Cochrun would yell at him, so he would wait until she left the residence, then he would feed them as much as possible.
Cochrun’s attitude toward the condition of her animals when police officers were there “was very dismissive and seemed to lack the ability to comprehend the seriousness of the animals’ condition.” Each misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $750 fine.
The current conditions of the animals were directed to the Casper Police Department, which declined to comment. Cochrun can be reached at dale@cowboystatedaily.com.