Cat shelter operator pleads guilty

An Elrose, Sask. woman who had dozens of cats in her house and was accused of mistreating them has pleaded guilty in court.

More than 60 cats were seized from the home of Dolores LaPlante in 2011, a number of them sick or dehydrated.

LaPlante, 40,  operates an animal rescue group with a no-kill policy.

On Thursday, LaPlante pleaded guilty to causing animals to be in distress, an offence under the province's Animal Protection Act.

The Crown stayed a more serious criminal charge of animal neglect.

LaPlante was fined $250 and must submit to home inspections over the next two years.