Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVO, Utah (AP) -- Utah County and the city have agreed to split the nearly $14,000 bill for caring for eight pets seized from a woman who has been ruled incompetent to stand trial on animal-abuse charges.
The seven cats and one dog were boarded at the Utah County Animal Shelter while court proceedings continued against Marie Covington Vrondos.
"Sometimes there's a cost associated with following the rule of law and making certain justice is served," said city spokesman Michael Mower.
Vrondos' lawyer, Laura Cabanilla, said her client is indigent and unable to pay the fees.
Cabanilla, who is handling the case pro bono, plans on filing an appeal. Two of the cats died in the animal shelter, and she is trying to get the rest back to Vrondos, the attorney said.
Last month, Utah County signed an agreement with Provo to split the bill, County Commissioner Steve White said. The city was still trying to determine which part of the budget would be used to pay for the fees.
On March 17, 4th District Judge Derek Pullan dismissed the charges against Vrondos but ruled she was responsible for the costs of caring for the animals to the date of the court order.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
