New Bedford Woman Charged After Cats Die in Hot Car

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford woman faces animal cruelty charges after police found two dead cats in her vehicle on Tuesday and rescued a third.

Police Discover Animals Trapped in Sweltering Car

According to New Bedford Police, Officers Tyler White and Edwin Yat Toj were patrolling the city’s South End on July 15 when they responded to Seabra Foods on Rockdale Avenue to assist Animal Control with a report of animals trapped inside a vehicle.

Conditions Inside the Vehicle Were Extreme

Police said the officers saw a black cat moving inside the vehicle, but were also hit with “an overwhelming foul odor emanating from within.”

They said Animal Control measured the temperature inside the vehicle at 106 degrees Fahrenheit in the front and 131 degrees in the rear.

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Owner Claims Cats Were Living in the Vehicle

The owner of the vehicle then arrived at the scene and told the officers the three cats had been living inside the vehicle. The woman, identified as Brandi Lyn Mosher, 53, of New Bedford, said she had left the car parked for about two hours with an electric fan running and food and water inside.

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“During a search of the vehicle, officers found it was piled high with debris and personal belongings,” police said. “Two deceased cats were also discovered inside, appearing to have been dead for several weeks.”

Charges Filed Against New Bedford Woman

Mosher was arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty.

Animal Control Rescues Surviving Cat

The surviving cat was surrendered to Animal Control and is currently available for adoption through Forever Paws Animal Shelter in Fall River.