Jefferson City woman denies committing animal abuse

Jefferson City resident Carolyn Goyda is battling animal abuse charges in Cole County after police and animal control workers found 46 cats in a condemned house she was occupying.

Goyda’s attorney, Joshua Schrimpf, told ABC 17 News there was no evidence of abuse and all the animals in the house were being cared for when the house was condemned.

Court documents include the JCPD officers’ description of the house at 415 Ashley Street.

“We found it difficult to step more than two steps without stepping in cat feces,” Officer Gash said. “The only food I saw was scattered on a mattress in one bedroom area of the house. I found one bowl of water that did not have sufficient water for all animals.”

The documents also outline the testimony of a veterinarian who examined the house and “determined conditions were not safe for animals.”

The veterinarian also told officers that several cats were showing signs of respiratory infections.

“It’s alleged that some of these animals had fleas, mites or upper-respiratory infections,” said Schrimpf. “I don’t think that rises to the level of abuse in any event.”

City officials said the home has been donated to the River City Habitat For Humanity.

Goyda is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.