Arrest Leads to Discovery of 45 Cats

Police, responding to complaints that a woman described by neighbors as a local eccentric had cut their telephone and cable TV lines, discovered 45 cats in her house Tuesday amid piles of excrement and swarms of fleas, authorities said.

“This is the worst-smelling place I’ve ever been in,” Los Angeles Police Sgt. Bob Weisz said.

Police arrested Fleeta Koranda, 74, on suspicion of making terrorist threats to her neighbors, who said she had harassed and threatened them for years.

The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services seized 45 cats, three dogs and a pigeon from the home in the 4000 block of Coldstream Terrace.

Animal Services Lt. Richard Felosky said the department is investigating whether Koranda violated animal cruelty and animal permit laws.

Los Angeles residents are allowed to have no more than three cats without a permit. The cruelty charge could be a felony, depending on the extent of the violation, Felosky said.

“Though the cats appear to have adequate food and water, I wouldn’t house any animal under these conditions,” Felosky said, adding that there is a long history of complaints to Animal Services about the number of animals at Koranda’s home.

“We’ve done everything we can within the power of the law to stop her,” he said.

Records of specific actions were unavailable Tuesday, said the department’s spokesman, Peter Persic.

Animal Services veterinarians examined each of the animals and will treat them as needed, Persic said. They will be housed at the West Valley Animal Shelter, and may be held there as evidence if criminal charges are filed.

“Some of them appear to have chronic injuries and nasal discharges. Some are skinny and unsocialized, meaning that they are difficult to handle,” Persic said.

Times staff photographer Jayne Kamin-Oncea contributed to this story.