http://cnn.netscape.cnn.com/news/sto...050119NMROS10260 Cats Found in Van After Traffic Stop



ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) - A routine traffic stop Wednesday led to the discovery of more than 60 sick and hungry cats in the back of a moving van driven by a 71-year-old woman.

Mary Jane Lyle pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of animal cruelty at a court appearance. She was being held in a Chaves County detention center.

If prosecuted, the charges carry possible prison time.

An officer pulled over the van because one of its taillights was out. While the officer was talking to Lyle, he heard noises coming from the back.


``Our officer heard a cat that appeared to be injured in some way,'' said police spokesman Robert Giles.


Lyle said she had a cat. But when the officer opened the back of the truck, he discovered 63. Two of the cats were dead and the others were ``in various stages of health,'' Giles said.


The cats were turned over to local animal control officers.


Police said Lyle was traveling from Minden, Mich., to Tucson, Ariz.