The Duquesne Duke

Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Katelyn Malongowski

Last Thursday, a throng of locals surrounded the building of District Justice Suzanne Blaschak in Gibsonia, about 15 miles north of Pittsburgh. Television stations parked their vans, and police surveyed the area, knowing the anticipation of the preliminary hearing. Many of the locals, supporters of Linda Bruno, held signs saying they were "Tiger Ranch Supporters."

When the ASPCA and police offers raided Tiger Ranch on March 13, Dr. Becky Morrow, a Duquesne University biology professor and a veterinarian working on the Tiger Ranch case, said that 406 cats were recovered, although initial numbers cited 600-700 cats. Tiger Ranch also held nine dogs, eight horses, a goat and a handful of chickens. In the four freezers on the property, 106 dead cats were found.

On April 1, the courtroom in Gibsonia, Pa., proved even more chaotic; with the room packed so full, there were not enough chairs to seat everyone. Journalists scrawled in their notepads, sitting on the floor, as Attorney Ron Valasek's voice echoed through the room.

"I think we need more information on the case," Valasek said, as he shook clipped papers inches thick, with each individual animal recovered from the raid pictured.

He explained the charges filed were too vague. With almost 600 charges filed, including 208 misdemeanors and 385 summaries (all animal cruelty charges) Valasek concluded it would be impossible to develop a proper defense for Linda Bruno, his client.

While the prosecutor argued Valasek was unprepared to take on the case, the judge agreed with the defense attorney and dismissed the charges. However, the charges were re-filed the next day, offering more organized and specific accusations and details.

Valasek and Bruno would not return phone calls for interviews.

Bob Nolan, a supporter of Linda Bruno, was distraught over the Tiger Ranch case and freely expressed his opinion.

"It's unbelievable how bogus these charges are," Nolan said, as he stood outside of the District Judge's building.

Nolan described experiences with Tiger Ranch and Bruno as pleasant, saying he adopted four healthy cats from the sanctuary over the years. Nolan looked at Bruno as an animal philanthropist, and said when he personally visited the sanctuary, it was in good running condition.

"The information that is being put on there is unfair," Nolan said.

Although there was no hard evidence, Nolan questioned the validity of how the raid unfolded. Pittsburgh humane officials had found nothing wrong with the case, therefore, Debra Urmann and others sought alternative help.

"They had to go to Philadelphia to come in and make us look like fools," Nolan said.

Last Chance for Animals, a California-based humane society, also found nothing wrong with Tiger Ranch from their investigations.

"It's not my fault that cats die; humans die too," Nolan said.

No details have been released concerning the time and location of the next hearing.

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