Charges filed by PSPCA against Frankford woman found hoarding 241 cats

The PSPCA forensics team examines the cats recovered from Laney Jacobson’s Frankford home on March 26. Credit: PSPCA

The PSPCA has filed animal cruelty charges against a Frankford woman found to be in possession of 241 cats earlier this year.

Lanie Jacobson, 64, of the 1600 block Fillmore Street, was officially charged Tuesday with animal cruelty, 241 counts for unsanitary conditions and 44 counts for failure to provide veterinary care.

Jacobson could face up to 90 days imprisonment for each charge, 90 days prohibition of animal ownership, and possible fines up to $750.

The Philadelphia Police Department also served an arrest warrant on Jacobson Tuesday and charged her with two misdemeanor charges for conspiracy and possession of a controlled substance.

PSPCA first executed a search warrant on Jacobson’s home on March 26 and due to unsanitary conditions, including high levels of ammonia, removed all the cats from the home.

According to the PSPCA, the cats were transferred to the PSPCA’s Erie Avenue shelter, examined by veterinarians and given necessary care.

Almost 100 cats have been adopted or transferred to other rescue organizations. More than 50 cats are available for adoption still. Jacobson has reportedly refused to surrender 73 remaining cats, which will remain in PSPCA care until the legal matters are completed.

Ironically, Jacobson was referenced in a 2010 Philadelphia Weekly article as filing a request with the city to get legal permission to own more than 12 cats, which is the maximum number of cats allowed by city charter.