Blair Co., PA (WJAC) — Authorities in Blair County say an Altoona woman is behind bars after an animal cruelty investigation led to the discovery of multiple dead ferrets that she had reportedly stolen from another individual.
Police say 24-year-old Mary-Jayda Patterson faces multiple counts of aggravated cruelty to animals-torture, as well as charges of criminal mischief, theft and animal cruelty.
Investigators say in September, Patterson had reportedly tasked a "witness" with retrieving 8 cats and 4 pet ferrets from a home along Beech Avenue in Altoona.
According to the affidavit, the witness told police that all of the animals were in good health and that she was instructed to relinquish the cats to Patterson.
Police say the witness claimed, however, that she "did not feel comfortable" giving the ferrets to Patterson, as they belonged to another individual, but stated that Patterson took them anyway.
Authorities say a couple days later, the witness reportedly visited Patterson's home to check on the animals and discovered that they were being kept in a small crate, with no food or water and were reportedly covered in feces.
Police say the witness reportedly asked Patterson if she would clean the ferrets, to which she responded, "no."
Investigators say approximately a week later, the witness returned to the home and stated that she noticed a "significant change" in the ferrets' health.
Police say the animals were reportedly still being kept in the same cage, with no food or water, and when the witness complained of how they smelled, Patterson allegedly placed the crate outside.
On October 11th, police say the owner of the ferrets had reportedly contacted Patterson to check on the animals and to see if they had been bathed, to which Patterson reportedly responded and stated that two of them were dead, one was barely alive and the fourth one was still alive.
"I told you it was gonna happen," Patterson allegedly stated.
Police say the witness then reportedly asked Patterson if she could take the animals from her and care for them, to which Patterson again responded "no."
Authorities say Patterson later claimed that she "had just noticed the condition of the ferrets" and stated that she was going to bury them and "kill the other one."
Police say during the course of the investigation, authorities learned that Patterson had previously messaged the witness and threatened to "break the ferrets' necks" if she did not get her cats back.
Investigators noted that police were provided photos of the ferrets to corroborate the witness' statements about their living conditions.
Authorities also noted that each ferret is worth approximately $200.
According to online court records, Patterson was arraigned Monday and is being housed at the Blair County Prison on $10,000 bail.
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