LAGUNA NIGUEL : Seized Animals to Be Put Up for Adoption

County Animal Control officials are expected to move quickly to find homes for some of the 32 dogs and cats found in filthy conditions in a three-bedroom condominium in Aliso Viejo last month.

As a pretrial hearing for owner Luella Kretchman, 48, was delayed in South County Municipal Court on Wednesday, Judge Blair T. Barnette said he would sign an order allowing the county to make the animals available for adoption.

Authorities who removed the cats and dogs from the condominium she rents found six dead animals. Thirteen others were in such poor condition that they were euthanized at the county shelter in Orange.

Of the remaining 32 animals found in her home, Kretchman will be allowed to keep no more than three dogs and three cats, unless she gets a special permit.

Kretchman, who is charged with misdemeanor cruelty to animals, is free on $10,000 bail. If convicted, she faces a six-month jail sentence and a $1,000 fine. Her hearing date was moved to July 27.

On June 28, sheriff’s deputies responded to reports from residents in a condominium complex in the 23000 block of El Reposa that a strong foul smell was emanating from Kretchman’s home.

According to the deputies’ report, the modest three-bedroom residence was crowded with living and dead animals.

Kretchman on Wednesday called the charge against her “overblown” and said she was worried about her animals at the shelter.

“I did manage to talk to the (county) veterinarian, and he said one of my dogs and some of the cats weren’t eating,” she said. “I’m afraid they’re depressed sitting in that sterile environment. They’re used to a lot of hugging and cuddling.”

Shelter officials said they have received many phone calls from people interested in adopting the animals.